Reader Reviews
The Caretaker (Trafalgar Studios (previously the Whitehall), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I was lucky enough to see David Bradley's memorable performance at Sheffield with Con O'Neal and Nigel Harman in what was an altogether better production. Bradley's beautifully mimsy turn and Con O'Neal's heartbreaking monologue elevated this play to another level. In this production however Sam Spruell couldn't find the required menace needed for Mick which left his scenes rather underwhelming. And I couldn't help but see in Peter McDonald's Aston the cogs of acting turning, a distraction when it came to his monologue. Jonathan Pryce, however, brings all the nervy, edgy skills he can muster to the part and gives a star turn as Davies, although for me the memory of David Bradley less frenetic Davies is still so vivid in my memory that I kept wishing he was playing the part instead. - rds | 30 Jan 10 |
| Jonathan Pryce gives a sensational and utterly compelling performance as Davies. And he was superbly complemented by Sam Pruell and Peter McDonald. A tremendous evening. - fred | 30 Jan 10 |
| I detest bullying and and as it plays such a large part in many Pinter plays that may explain my alienation from his work - not helped by the likelihood that he was a verbal bully himself. To be fair The Caretaker isn's as bad as, for example, No Man's Land, and there is a certail fascination at the shifting balance of power between the tramp, Davies, and the two brothers who take him in. Sam Spruell seemed uncertain where to pitch Mick but Jonathan Price gives a blistering central performance. The highlight though was Peter McDonalds' beautifully controlled remembrance of his ordeal in a mental hospital. - David Baxter | 28 Jan 10 |
