Reader Reviews
Deathtrap (Noel Coward Theatre, West End)
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 | Simon R-B is brilliant. The show passed by in what seemed like only a matter of seconds for me: it was entirely captivating and kept us on the edge of our seats - I even bunked-off work to see it:-) SRB is incapable of turning out a poor performance, as he is pure quality ... he even found time to generously sign my ticket during the intermission, when I interupted and pestered him during his 'stage door' down time - what a gent! (thank you Simon!). Go and see it - it is fab! P.S. The 'gay' kiss is no big deal at all - who cares? I'm straight and I thought it was well done, if not a bit unexpected, plotline-wise:-) - Steve | 22 Oct 10 |
| As one of the finest actors of his generation Simon Russell Beale has given us countless wonderful performances at the Donmar and especially the National. To be able to do that though he needs to venture into the more lucrative West End from time to time. If we're lucky we get Spamalot, but conversely we have Deathtrap. Billed as a comedy thriller it's neither very funny or very thrilling. The plot is cleverly constructed but a main twist is repeated and two characters are almost entirely superfluous. SRB is incapable of a bad performance and finds more depth than the character merits but he's about as threatening as a teddy bear - and surely a playwright called Sidney Bruhl living in Connecticut should be an American. Jonathan Groff is quite good as Clifford and the set is impressive but Deathtrap feels about as relevant today as an episode of Murder She Wrote. - David Baxter | 14 Oct 10 |
| The fun premise and overall plot is fairly entertaining - but the acting is only so-so. I have seen Simon Russell Beale in "Humble Boy" and "Galileo" - in those he was just fine,though never outstanding. However, in "Deathtrap" all the luvvie adulation seems to have gone to his head and he behaves as if he can get away with anything on stage, as if the audience will adore him whatever he does. In the first act he irritated me immensely by rushing through his lines at breakneck speed and often not enunciating correctly while doing so- what was he trying to prove, how many words he could deliver in one breath? In the second half he slowed down somewhat but all throughout gave every indication of an actor who was delivering a performance on auto-pilot. I actually found the American businessman in the 2nd act far more convincing than old SRB. However, fairly enjoyable because of the tricksy plot, despite SRB's sloppy ( and occasionally inaudible ) stage technique. - William B | 05 Oct 10 |
| Like La Bete (same director and designer), it’s one of the most hyped shows of the year, but again a terrific set and a couple of fine performances isn’t enough to plug the holes in mediocre material. We don’t often see thrillers these days. Perhaps the genre has had its day? Woman in Black is still running after goodness knows how many years, but that’s probably due to the Mousetrap syndrome – something you have to do if you’re here. This is a comedy-thriller and it’s often funny and occasionally thrilling. It takes a long while to take off though and in the end it’s all much of a muchness. What might be seen as a ‘good night out’ for £25 on tour doesn’t really provide enough value for £50 in the West End. Rob Howell’s converted New England stable is extraordinary with much detail (if you’re near enough). Simon Russell Beale does deliver another fine performance which is well matched by Jonathan Groff. On the acting front, though, the play is badly let down by a truly dreadful turn from Estelle Parsons which does much to dampen the impact of the final scene. ‘Well, it’s a bit of fun’ as Rob Brydon’s Keith Barrett might say, but not a particularly satisfying evening in the theatre. Take it or leave it? Well, on balance I think I’d wished I’d left it. - Gareth James | 18 Sep 10 |
| We had a fantastic time at Deathtrap. Simon Russell Beale was amazing. SPOILER: I don't see how the editor can say that "Comments about the inclusion of spoilers in Michael Coveney's review are no longer relevant". Did they edit some out? Surely the first paragraph of the review totally blows the first and arguably best twist of the play! - Martin Walsh | 15 Sep 10 |
| Totally agree with Michael Coveney. It's really reductive to accuse him of being uncomfortable about gay relationships onstage- I'M gay and I found the sexual relationship between Groff and Beale totally unconvincing too. The kiss comes out of nowhere, and before and after, there's absolutely no erotic tension at all. As for Claire Skinner, I've seen at least two other reviews that also describe her as miscast. None of that stops the play from being decent fun, but it's not great either. - Miles | 11 Sep 10 |
| Mr Coveney's little toes will be positively wriggling with satisfaction at all the furore he has caused. - tomripley | 10 Sep 10 |
| In my very humble opinion, the Reviewer who must not be named - I thought I would refer to him Voldemort-wise, lest this post be interpreted as a personal attack, which it actually is not meant to be - had already given, over the last months, a major contribution to undermining the credibility and reliability of this website as a source of unbiased and professionally formed opinions. I find that the censoring approach taken by the Editor is now making things worse. While "personal attacks" as such should justly not be tolerated, I think it is a right of all users of any information medium to politely express their disappointment with the quality of the service provided. - Andy | 10 Sep 10 |
| I can't believe you have only given this ** as it was a brilliant play and Simon and Jonathan were great and as for Estelle parsons--she had great lines and delivered them so well. I just thought it was great theatre and I was very entertained and several times made me jump---I recommend everyone to go and see it. - Joe Spiteri | 10 Sep 10 |
| One of the most entertaining evenings out. Fantastic writing and superb acting and directing. Unmissable. - C.C.V | 09 Sep 10 |
| FROM THE EDITOR: Comments about the inclusion of spoilers in Michael Coveney's review are no longer relevant. Any personal attacks are not appropriate and will be removed. If you have serious concerns about Michael or anyone else working for Whatsonstage.com, please email feedback@whatsonstage.com or call Terri Paddock on 020 7317 9100. - Terri Paddock | 09 Sep 10 |
| So this comment thread has turned into a Coveney lynch mob? Maybe giving away plot twists is not good form (MC take note) but it is hardly a hanging offence. Grow up everyone and review the play, not the review. - Toddster | 09 Sep 10 |
| I agree with Coveney completely. This is a thoroughly silly piece of work and I was unable to stay awake during most of it. I only woke up for the contrivewd shocks - which were well done but repetitive - and for the thunder claps. it is so old fashioned. Reminiscent of weekly rep - and The Mousetrap. - aline | 08 Sep 10 |
| First of all, what play did you attend to? You seem to be the only one who didn't enjoy the brilliant performances and the superb twists. Also, it's immature of you to ruin the plot to your readers just because you didn't like it. - Jean | 08 Sep 10 |
| A superb show, fantastically entertaining with so many twists and turns if you take your eye of the ball you will miss something big! Brilliant cast and crew, recommend to all! - Adrian Grey | 08 Sep 10 |
| I don't undestand this review. I saw the show during the first week of preview and I found it already great. And as for the "gay fantasy", I really don't see where it's coming from! If Mr Coveney found it "unconvincing" maybe it's because it's not supposed to be a gay fantasy. SPOILER ('cause, yeah, it's not nice to ruin the plot for the readers!): yes there's a "loving" relationship between the two main characters(but is it really love ?) but it's really not one of the main theme of the play. And as far as fantasies go, mine are usually made of more than just one tense kiss. Which seems to me more like Judas'kiss than a real big-love kiss. So for me, the show was really entertaining, actors were great and the set was very impressive. - JP Frisee | 08 Sep 10 |
| However, I do beleive Claire Skinner was miscast also. - Abbie | 08 Sep 10 |
| Im sorry but what you have projected here is obvious discomfort with the small homosexual theme in the play. When I saw Deathtrap (4th Sept) I was astounded by the amount of men in the audience who squirmed and diverted their eyes at the kiss scene; how marvelous that the play has THAT impact, it is a credit to the actors to make the audience FEEL. I do not understand your 'but there’s no point in pretending that Warchus and his actors haven’t turned the piece into a not very convincing gay fantasy.' This is complete nonsense. Please go see the play and you will ADORE it. The twist and turns are thrilling!! - Abbie | 08 Sep 10 |
| I think Mr Coveney is so far off the mark it's not funny. If you cannot review a play without giving the plot away the critic is not doing a very good job and this one is not. Simon Russell Beale is one of the best actors around. Go see the play it will make you laugh and jump out of your seat. Good old fashioned entertainment. - Simon Holland | 08 Sep 10 |
| I am utterly appalled by Coveney's review; not for his opinion, he is totally wrong, but entitled to it - but because his review will ruin the theatrical experience of his readership in seeing this play. It is irresponsible and immature. I had a great night in the presence of great actors - laughed and screamed. Please put up a huge spoiler sign before this review. - Ira Te | 08 Sep 10 |
| I think Mr Coveney was watching a line run before the show perhaps? This is a brilliantly done revival in every sense. Claire Skinner miscast? No sir. Wrong sir. - Hilda Handcuffs | 08 Sep 10 |
| A thoroughly entertaining and jump-making play, with great performances. - margerydaw50 | 08 Sep 10 |
