Reader Reviews
Otherwise Engaged (The Playhouse, Oxford)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I enjoyed this play immensely, found it witty and entertaining, the humour is as fresh now as it was when first performed. Particularly liked the performances of Anthony Head and Peter Wight, both were excenent. Very polished performances from all the cast, and I evne laughed out loud more than once, loved it! - 137.108.145.10) | 25 Jan 06 |
| Although this is a perfectly respectable revival, why bother? There are some funny lines, but it isn't an interesting story, there isn't a likelable character and it illuminates absolutely nothing. What's the point of paying £40 to see a bunch of middle class people you don't like irritating you ? - you can get that at home for nothing ! - 81.158.157.148) | 12 Jan 06 |
| Would a revival of a 1970's play stand the test of time and still be funny? The answer is an emphatic yes. If you can't remember the 70's then read the programme notes first to refresh your memory. As a previous reviewer noted there was a great deal of laughter (and applause) throughout - clearly the majority of the audience, like myself, remember the 70's! Good performances all round and I would give full marks to Richard E Grant. On stage throughout the entire performance, his facial expressions in response to so many interuptions from wishing to listen to his new Wagner record, was fine acting in itself. Who is doing what with whom provides some good humour and gradually all is revealed (and in the case of Amanda Ryan a very nice revelation!) All curtain calls were the entire cast, I felt that Richard E Grant deserved a solo call. - 195.93.21.102) | 27 Nov 05 |
| We loved it! Fast moving and funny. I saw a review and we managed to get tickets and had a great evening. The cast were strong and it is rare to hear so many people laugh out loud. - 195.93.21.100) | 14 Nov 05 |
| a truly enjoyable evening - - 195.93.21.101) | 14 Nov 05 |
| Having not been to the theatre for a while, I couldn't have picked a better production to reignite my enthusiasm. The cast are wonderful and Anthony Head is particularly humourous. It's a thoroughly entertaining evening. - 132.185.240.122) | 08 Nov 05 |
| I loved it. Laughed a lot and thought Anthony Head was especially brilliant. And sexy! - 132.185.144.122) | 01 Nov 05 |
| Very much a play of it's time, the set up is so out of date now. Funny lines here and there but not one thing or another. Richard EG you just did not care for and his acting! when was he last on stage? wooden or what. The rest of the cast are A1, esp Mr Head, fab. Great work from David B and Miss Drew. Not a great night I am am sorry to say. - 217.13.129.151) | 01 Nov 05 |
| Hadn't realised Richard E Grant can't act - 160.79.17.132) | 31 Oct 05 |
| I'm afraid that this is not going to do the West End's reputation much good. Richard E Grant will draw the punters in but this very dated play is not a good vehicle for his talents. I predict a short run! - 62.64.161.16) | 29 Oct 05 |
| What a great show! Having seen too many so-called 'comedies' on stage recently, this was a real breath of fresh air. Genuinely well-written and very very witty. Great performances from the whole cast too, and particularly from Richard E Grant, who was excellent in the central role of 'Simon Hench'. All in all, an extremely enjoyable night out - I recommend it! - 62.25.106.209) | 27 Oct 05 |
| Apart from one or two minor giveaway lines, there is not much to date this play to the 1970s - and certainly the design thankfully avoids 1970s decorating tastes. There are still moments of humour in this too - and most of the cast are strong, notably Anthony Head. But poor Mr Grant! The only award he is likely to win for this is from Cuprinol. To get the best from this, sit near the front though as some of his best work (second half) works better when you can see his face in detail. Perhaps by London he'll have remembered the difference between stage and film. As he is constantly on stage, it is not possible for this not to ruin the show. - 62.255.32.15) | 18 Oct 05 |
