Reader Reviews
Solstice (The Other Place, Stratford-Upon-Avon)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | It seems to me that this play epitomises that which puts the great majority of people off the theatre. It wears its obscurity with pride and appears to disdain the tradition of story-telling through drama. I couldnt help but think that Harris had sat spent a lot of time sat in the space - thinking how it could best be used - and came up with ropes, trap doors, things to climb out of, things to jump down from and objects to provide agreeably moody lighting, but forgot about a story. Dramatic action would have filled the space more rewardingly than anything else. In fairness the play could does hint that it something half-decent is hidden deep within its world and cast of characters, but - by directing her own work - Harris was never pushed into searching this out. - 212.139.250.183) | 08 Jun 05 |
| It's great to see TOP back in action and presenting new work on a regular basis but given the resources of the RSC it's difficult to believe they can't lay their hands on a better play than this. The performances occassionally rise above the material but the plays big ambitions don't even come close to being achieved. Miserable, depressing, nihilistic - everyone gets what they deserve (and who cares?) The dialogue is little more than headlines and everything is condensed to the extent that there is no space for the characters to breath. One particular scene which is no doubt meant to be dramatic and shocking just doesn't make any sense on any level other than a cheap attempt to try to give the play some emotional depth. I, like other reviwers, look forward to one day seeing the play described in the programme. This isn't it. - 80.168.23.114) | 13 Apr 05 |
| I agree with the first reviewer - there is much to admire in this play and the performances are extremely good, Peter Bygott, in particular, conveys a strong and complex character trying to hold on to his principles in a society which is slipping into hatred. Yes, the play is over-ambitious for what can be achieved in 90 minutes, but it is pithy and well-written. Worth seeing. - 195.92.67.209) | 12 Apr 05 |
| Critical reaction to this play appears overly harsh to me. My sense is that Midwinter was over-praised and this is under-praised - to me, they are both decent, well written and interesting pieces without being anything exceptional. Certainly, I agree that the claims of the programme are not fully realised in the play. Neither am I a great fan of writers directing their own works. But, that said, Solstice is at times moving, and the cast are very strong. - 62.252.0.10) | 12 Apr 05 |
