Reader Reviews
Joe & I (The King's Head Theatre, Inner London)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | The idea of fictional meetings has been done before, but where this wins is by using the device to contrast attitudes in different times and by different generations. It's a bit voyeuristic on the tiny Kings Head stage and Peter Bowles isn't always comfortable in his role, but it's still an interesting play well staged and well worth a trip to Islington. - 86.134.81.1) | 06 Dec 05 |
| I'm afraid this one left me distinctly cold. The idea was indeed wonderful, but the execution was at times woefully lacking, despite a truly astounding performance from Peter Bowles. I found it trite, over-long and ultimately unsatisfying - for me, it never really went in any direction. I realise that I seem so far to be in the minority, but thought I'd post anyway, to offer the other saide of the coin. I fear that at times, it felt very amateurish, almost GCSE-style crude. Having said that, it would make a wonderful piece with a sharper script, a shorter running time, and some edgier direction - the sort which we have come to expect at the King's Head. - 82.35.135.208) | 20 Nov 05 |
| Powerfully expressed internal struggle between a cautious Terence Rattigan and his more uninhibited sexual desires seen in a fantasy relationship with Joe Orton. Oscar Wilde acts as referee. Acted with great sensitivity by all three. - 62.253.64.18) | 19 Nov 05 |
| Is it a comedy - or a tragedy - or an erotic farce? The play romps along with wonderful lines, and its a constant joy to pick out those the characters actually said from those Laurie imagined that they might have said, had the characters have actually found themselves in such a peculiar situation. What seemed a particularly interesting concept was to see three characters, from different eras, all acting in the style of their era. So Joe Orton appears as though he were a character from an Orton play, while Rattigan acts as a character from one of his plays, and Oscar appears as we (think we) know and love him. All three actors offer thoroughly convincing portrails of people consumed by some inner personal torment, and its great to see the Kings Head Theatre promoting intelligent writing of this type. At a little over 90 minutes long, its not a slight work; its much more of a serious feast for theatregoers - and I do hope this work reaches an audience that to be challenged, as well as thoroughly entertained. - 85.210.17.246) | 17 Nov 05 |
| Superbly racy, witty and sharp comedy, skillfully intertwined with tragedy, the struggle between camouflaged and defiant homosexuality, pathos, loss and grief - Laurie Slade's sensitive new play is a must-see. Slade is a master in his handling of the English language. Powerful and sensitive performances from all three actors who lead the audience through a menu of disparate emotions and provide a poignant understanding of the lives and loves of Rattigan, Orton and Wilde. It all succeeds particularly well in the intimacy of the Kings Head and I wholeheartedly recommend it. - 86.133.193.22) | 17 Nov 05 |
| A brilliant idea wonderfully realised - many congratulations due to all involved! - 193.62.214.5) | 17 Nov 05 |
| the play was beautifully crafted and unexpectedly moving. Thought there are some sharp and witty lines, the night I saw the play, the audience did not laugh . What we enjoyed was the poignant meeting between three people, and the actors handled the sensitive movement towards each other, with skill. The set was perfect, the costumes exactly right, the pace moved elegently, like a Rattigan play, and it was good theatre. Go and see it , and make sure you take thoughtful friends with you. This needs to be seen . - 86.129.134.147) | 17 Nov 05 |
