Reader Reviews
Two Thousand Years (Cottesloe (National Theatre), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I think the touring version benefits from distance from the media hype and expectation of the play's initial opening. I can certainly see how this under-stated piece would have failed to live up to all that. Yet, it is a thought provoking piece. Leigh has said of previous projects that he wants the audience to make up its own mind about issues and that his role is just to present them. To some this has been an excuse to criticise him for not being clear what his views are. Here again, he raises more issues than answers - and the play is stronger for that. Absolutely terrific performances from all the cast. - 62.252.0.10) | 06 Mar 06 |
| I thought the play had the theatrical tension and atmosphere in parts and for me it worked. Yes it could have benefitted from a better storyline although there were so many issues, I felt it tripped along nicely. I don't understand the title of the play at all; and I felt that the characters of Rachel Danny were an odd combination between conservative Jews using frequent Yiddish terms and secular anglicised people who happened to swear profusely and break almost every religious law in the book. PS: As I'm Jewish the part where Josh put on tefillin yet appears to be starting to "shoot up" was totally lost on me (and most Jewish theatre goers too). - 84.67.174.231) | 16 Feb 06 |
| A balanced, thought-provoking and intelligent play on important themes which manages at the same time to be entertaining and funny. Quality new plays like this are few and far between, so it should be warmly welcomed. - 86.139.76.41) | 30 Dec 05 |
| Oy vot an affront ! Many Jewish friends say they wont see it as it caricatures Jews ( but Jews love to laugh at themselves ).. The dialogue reminded me of life with relatives when I was 12 ( a long time ago ) and is Leigh's collection of familiar quips woven in to a family web of ironic laughter and parody. Acting so realistic it seemed that they were not performing. Samantha Spiro's self-centred paranoid Aunt reminded me of people I know who would feel humiliated and embarrassed if they saw themselves so exposed. Strange that reviewers dont comprehend the volte-face of the son who finds and rejects God. Spare plot but much anti-politics argument well received by the audience. Entertaining although light-weight. - 86.136.135.79) | 15 Dec 05 |
| A sort of Jewish 'Secrets and Lies'. Mike Leigh's Habonim period is accurately conveyed but I don't think such a Jewish family would use the f-word so often - at least none that I know. There are some extremely funny lines. All the characters are very credible except Michelle. Samantha Spiro tries to compensate for a badly delineated character by trebling the histrionics but it just doesn't work. Worth seeing, though. See 'Chicken Soup with Barley' too to contrast Leigh's depiction of a Jewish family in the noughties with Wesker's in the 1930s to 1950s. - 81.153.178.28) | 06 Nov 05 |
| I came to this play with some trepidation. This was my first visit to the Cottesloe and I was lucky enough to get front row seats on the morning of the performance. I had read some reviews prior to seeing the play, therefore I was aware that it may not live up to the hype. What I saw was a play that was enjoyable and highly watchable, though it seemed half finished. Of course all the usual Mike Leigh touches were on display, yet a lot of the conversations (especially about politics) seemed somewhat contrived and forced. The use of short scenes in the first act was bit disconcerting, I didn't really feel it was suitable for the stage. The second Act had the slow burning domestic and family issues come to a head, yet it all seemed somewhat contrived. How handy that every thing was wrapped up for the end of the performance!! Caroline Gruber and Allan Corduner as the parents were very watchable, but both their adult children were VERY smug, and highly dislikeable characters. For me the standout performances came from John Burgess and the delightful Samantha Spiro who really lit up the stage when she came on. I left feeling entertained but I didn't leave questioning the world around us. It was a good play but it definatley appeared half finished to me. With a little more work, and a slightly longer running time it could have been very good indeed. - 195.93.21.101) | 27 Oct 05 |
| Once I got past the fact that in shape and feel it's very similar to some of his films - the family drama ones - I managed to quite enjoy this. Some of the family's political discussions felt uncomfortably contrived and the ending was just a bit too convenient, but it's still quite compelling, has some very funny lines and good performances all round. - 194.80.238.40) | 26 Sep 05 |
| A very disappointing 'show', not a play; superficial and in trying to be 'real' Leigh misses the spot by miles. 'Saved' indeed as WOS review states by Samantha Spiro's comic turn and Burgess old man, nasty and not like any Jewish grandpa I know. But at least a proper character. Dull, dull, dull. - 81.155.234.214) | 22 Sep 05 |
| You don't have to be Jewish to fully enjoy this play but it would certainly add to the experience. At it's best Two Thousand Years is a funny and heart-warming family drama which also explores the meaning of what it's like to be Jewish in a secular family and irreligious society. Unfortunately it also contains many long and boring family discussions on world politics which don't move the drama forward and serve only to point out how topical the piece is being. Some of the acting is a bit variable as well, although a notable exception is John Burgess as a spledidly angry and bewildered grandfather. The ending is also a complete cop-out, unusually for Mike Leigh, as a key character's final transformation comes about without any warning or explanation and seems to contradict everything that has gone before. Mind you, my opinion might be clouded by the apalling discomfort of the side seats at the Cottesloe which give an obscured view of the play and necessitate a visit to a chiropractor afterwards. Although the play does not quite live up to the hype (what could) it is mostly enjoyable, but not worth paying inflated prices on Ebay for. - 62.6.139.13) | 22 Sep 05 |
| A good play. However, it somehow seemed a little 'cinematic' in its construction, cutting corners, and lacking in depth of characterisation or a true sense of longevity, much of which could have been achieved with film. The central part of Josh seemed the most hollow, perhaps by design, with no explanation as to the adoption of religion nor its sudden disavowel. Still some excellent ensemble moments, certainly worth seeing, but sadly less than the sum of its parts. - 62.253.64.18) | 16 Sep 05 |
| After seeing worrying 'political' spoilers on this site, I was a bit dubious about this play. However, the 'political' element is far less frequent than I had imagined and the best thing about this play is the characterisation (particularly the grandad and grand-daughter). If you are a fan of Mike Leigh, you'll love it. - 81.130.129.28) | 16 Sep 05 |
| Well the Daily Telegraph loved it but then it's Charlie... I am glad some are harder on it like Whatsonstage as I was thinking wish I could see it but of course can not.... unless it transfers next spring! - 217.13.129.151) | 16 Sep 05 |
| After such a long wait for a new Mike Leigh play, this is rather disappointing. Of course it's finely observed and beautifully acted but the whole thing seems unfinished. The central set up of the son who finds religion doesn't develop into anything, the narrative just isn't strong enough and all the topicality is just a bit pointless. But I loved Samantha Spiro doing a Frances Barber turn. - 81.138.161.145) | 16 Sep 05 |
| I know this was the first preview, so I'm not going to comment on performances (although they were all good). The actual show though is very self indulgent. The show is based around a Jewish family in North London, it's actually set in their living room. This family spends a lot of time talking about World politics, what it is to be Jewish and various other things. The play spans about a year and includes topics such as the London bombings, the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and even (in a scene that seemed to be tacked on the end of the play for no reason!) hurricane Katrina. For me, the play was at it's best when focused on the family and their relationships. This did seem to get lost in all the current affairs though. For example, the son "finds" religion and the whole family comment on him wearing a skull cap, when he removes it in the last scene, no one makes a comment about it. Less speeches about politics and World affairs and more actual story would have greatly improved the play for me. With such a topical play, it's bound to change during previews, so it would certainly be interesting to go see it in a months time (if I could get a ticket!) - 213.78.149.11) | 10 Sep 05 |
