Reader Reviews
Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell (Garrick Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I really enjoyed it; it was a great fun evening, even if you do suspect that the 'real' Jeffrey Bernard, as a long-time drunk, was unlikely to have been as amiable as the character portrayed. I felt the first half could have benefited from being 10 minutes shorter, as there seemed to be much of the same, really only the one joke repeated. But the second half more than made up for this, with Tom Conti really coming into his own, and 'playing' the audience. The trick with the egg and the biscuit tin lid was hugely enjoyable, I may even have to try that myself at some stage! So while there was no great amount of depth to the play, it was a very entertaining evening, with a wonderful, impish performance from the ever-likeable Conti. - 83.104.38.117) | 27 Jun 06 |
| A terrific insight into the eighties. Colourful characters like Mr Bernard are no longer around as we have become too politically correct. Tom Conti is superb as the acoholic journalist who has lived life to the full in more ways than one. Definitely one to see. - 212.135.1.53) | 16 Jun 06 |
| I saw this in preview last night. I have only a vague memory of the BBC showing the Peter O'Toole version some years ago, so I couldn't recall much detail. The play is good - no story as such, more a rambling meander through Jeff Bernard's life, but it holds your attention through sharp character sketches & informed descriptions of seedy bohemian life in Soho long before 24 hour drinking licenses. Having said that, it could descend into a post-war docudrama if it didn't have a strong central character to deliver the material properly. Tom Conti was on marvelous form. Playing an almost controlled drunk for 2 hours must be quite draining, but he managed to make it look quite natural, and he has loads of impish familiarity to make us sympathise with his character. (O'Toole was probably even more natural, but from what I read he had more practice with the real thing). The 4 supporting actors were mostly excellent too, especially Royce Mills, who could definately have been one of Bernard's drinking buddies, and his cat racing scam is a hoot. 4 of the 5 cast have played the piece before, which probably contributes to their slick delivery even in previews. Mr Conti also mentioned at the end that this is Ned Sherrin's 10th go at directing the play, which presumably means he has directed virtually every production of it in the UK. The set was static throughout, since there is only one scene, but an inventive take on a traditional old London pub, only built by the guys in Disneland's cartoon section, ie with everything out of perspective. Lighting was used to good effect, and combined with an 'off stage' commentary box on an upper wall, brought some dynamics to the set. All in all, a welcome revival of a very entertaining play, and a fitting memory to a man who, from his last year's columns in the Spectator, clearly had no regrets for the dissolute lifestyle he led. - 158.234.250.71) | 15 Jun 06 |
