Reader Reviews
Hello and Goodbye (Trafalgar Studios (previously the Whitehall), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | At the risk of causing offence, the prospect of two hours listening to the South African accent was not very appealing. So it came as a relief that Athol Fugard's play was so raw and engrossing. Libby Watson's design made the best use I have seen so far of Studio 2 recreating a shabby Port Elizabeth hovel where siblings Hester and Johnny argue over their father's compensation and painful memories. Rafe Spall and Saskia Reeves produce two exceptional performances, despite occasional wobbles with the accents and too much intensity for such a small space. Unfortunately any possible surprise from the twist in the second half was nullified having been mentioned in almost every review, but nonetheless this is an electrifying examination of the ruined lives of two members of the white underclass in South Africa's evil era of apartheid. - David Baxter | 15 May 08 |
