Reader Reviews
Of Mice and Men (Savoy Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I wasn't sure what to expect but had been encouraged to go by my mother-in-law who thought it was superb. Well, I wasn't disappointed in fact I was gripped and moved by the performances. George Costigan was as the other reviewers have said brilliant and Matthew Kelly was excellent too. I loved it and would encourage others to go too. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.111.24.42) | 19 Nov 03 |
| In her review, Terri finds this production too enervated for the play's good, and she blames Matthew Kelly for setting an unduly restless tone that draws in the rest of the cast. I don't agree: for me, previous productions of the play have veered in the opposite direction and ended up being so ponderous that the emotional heart becomes weighted down and oppressive. I could not fault any of the terrific cast in this Birmingham Rep production that's now reached London. If it IS impossible to turn one's eyes away from Matthew Kelly, that is because he has an extraordinary talent - one I first witnessed in Mike Stott's play Funny Peculiar all of 25 years ago. I'm the first to complain about overacting, but here I saw something altogether more impressive. One last point: I'm one of Terri' biggest supporters, but I was appalled that she should begin her review by raking over discredited muck in order to make a barely relevant point about Kelly's strength of character. I was very disappointed in that. Job - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.48.4.216) | 30 Oct 03 |
| Good but no cigar. The book was great, the story is great, the play is a little slow, especially in the first act. George Costigan is excellent, Matthew Kelly is very good but a little stagey. Worth seeing for the story, if you don't know it. Worth seeing for George Costigan if you do. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.62.168) | 24 Oct 03 |
| A very-well acted and staged production. The cast is pretty much faultless and Matthew Kelly is, indeed, 'a revelation' as Lennie Small. He is pretty much unrecognisable as the genial host of 'Stars in Their Eyes' as he completely disappears into the role. At the end of the production, I (like many others) was up on my feet and applauding his performance. The whatsonstage.com offer (for £20 tickets) gives you no excuse to miss the production. Andrew B - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.130.127.205) | 24 Oct 03 |
| I also saw this in Birmingham and i would also agree that George Costigan is simply fantastic and Matthew Kelly also blows your mind away as lenny...however keep your eyes peeled for a certain Joanne Moseley (the only female character in this forthcoming west end show)...absolutely brilliant...a real star in the making. If you have read the play at school or have never heard of it i can guarantee you a brilliant night out. Once again the Birmingham Rep delivers the goods in this stunning and heartbreaking production. Long may it last! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.36.146.166) | 19 Sep 03 |
| Saw this in Birmingham and it is simply brilliant. A good all round cast complemented by a superb performance by Costigan. Kelly plays the simple Lemmy as an autistic adult to impressive effect. Don't miss it. "Tonight Matthew, I'm reminding people what a good actor I am" - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.36.31.13) | 02 Sep 03 |
