Reader Reviews
Called to Account - Indictment of Anthony Charles Lynton Blair for the Crime of Aggression Against Iraq - A Hearing (Tricycle Theatre, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Well, it's actually 4 stars for gripping drama, but 2 stars for objectivity. I saw 4 of the Tricycle's 'tribunal' plays, which got 4 stars for both drama AND objectivity. The problem here is two-fold - crossing the line from staging edited versions of actual inquiries to creating its own implies an 'editorial' view and the 'play' itself is imbalanced because of the weak advocacy for the 'defence' due to the quality of the interviewing from which it is drawn and / or the editing and / or the conviction of the actor. Anyway, in this sense a huge disappointment, but still a compelling evening of theatre and hopefully the Tricycle will retain their pre-eminent position as the stage for 'political' theatre. - Gareth James | 01 May 07 |
| This is a hard one to mark. I went after a modest lunch to the Saturday matinee. Sitting in the slips I found it very difficult keeping my eyes open. Partly this was due to the soporific delivery of the dialogue and partly due to the aircon not being turned on, and it being one of the warmest days of the year so far! If you have ever watched a trial in progress you will know how mind blowingly dull that can be, with that pedestrian delivery that barristers seem to be so very good at that even judges can't help but nod off. With such a complex story to tell this play must engage the audience, and keep them so. I struggled to maintain my attention unlike my companion who eventually succumbed and fell asleep. If you make sure you have several cups of black coffee and don't eat or drink alcohol beforehand then it is worth the effort. Informative, but very, very, dull theatre. - rds | 23 Apr 07 |
