Reader Reviews
A Man of No Importance (Arts Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I really thought this was going to be arse. However, it wasn't that bad at all. At it's best, it's a bit like a sanitised version of 'Father Ted' (meant in a loving way) and at worst a buttock clenching 'Disney does Ireland'. More than anything the earnestness the show takes the relationship between a bus conductor and Oscar Wilde, the saccharine sentimentalism and it the 'fist in mouth to stop myself laughing' gay bits really really let the show down. However that is the fault of the writing, not the production. There are some good performances, but the musical direction leaves a lot to be desired. Nothing new, but a nice little chamber piece BEGGING to be rewritten into something less trashy. - Cassox | 24 Feb 10 |
| Just arrived home from seeing this Musical. Well I agree with all the others on here and disagree with Giles Cole. Though No songs stayed in my head, I found this a charming musical with great characters and some witty and quite funny Irish humour--well done--i would recommend it totally. Anyway I find that I seem to like what critics don't and vice versa and they get it wrong many times. The critics panned Les Mis and yet it is now celebrating 25 years and the show Wicked had very mixed reviews from the critics and some said a waste of time and yet still there and voted as top show. - Joe Spiteri | 18 Feb 10 |
| I'm afraid to say that there is not one single comment i can agree with in your critics review. This piece of theatre is a real gem, and should be very highly praised (such as Giles Cole rightly did). This little fringe production was better than many things i have seen over the years in my trips to the West End and i enjoyed it so much, that after seeing this rare specimen of a fabulous play with music at the wonderful space that is the Union Theatre, i have booked for my second time at The Arts Theatre and i truly cannot wait. There are also many memorable songs such as "Man in the Mirror", "The Cuddles Mary Gave" and the beautiful "Streets of Dublin", not forgetting the title song itself. This is one feel-good, heart-warming and emotional piece of theatre that noone should miss. - Daniel Lane | 15 Feb 10 |
| The Arts Theatre has a rare success on its' hands with this charming transfer of the Union's unexpected hit. The man of the title is an unassuming Dublin bus conductor, obsessed with Oscar Wilde, who only truly comes alive when directing a church amateur dramatics society. His sad foray into the other side of Wilde's life almost brings about his downfall but enables him to discover the value of true friendship. The score, from the writers of Ragtime, is pleasant enough but not in the league of Ragtime itself, but it's performed beautifully by characters who become highly believable and Roisin Sullivan and the actor playing Robbie (sorry I don't have the programme so can't give him his due credit) are genuine musical talents. This is the sort of musical which struggles to find a home in London but it would be nice to think that there are producers brave enough to take a chance on undiscovered material. - David Baxter | 12 Feb 10 |
| I agree completely with Owen and I find the comment that "there’s no second act worth mentioning" completely incomprehensible. Yes charming is extremely accurate and it was clearly more of a fringe production than West End but it was extremely well performed, very funny in places and yes touching. It does not have big memorable musical numbers in fact it is less of a musical than a play with songs but if viewed as such is highly entertaining. Last night may not have been very challenging as far as the grey cells are concerned but I along with the other four members of my party and quite clearly the vast majority of the audience went away very happy. - Clive | 12 Feb 10 |
| Sure the score may not be in the same league as RAGTIME but in fairness to the composers their score which your critic found unmemorable I found beautifully constructed and at times both amusing and touching. The richly deserved transfer and opportunity to see is worth seeing for Paul Clakeson alone. In the role of Alfie he brings a pathos and sincerity which clearly has never left him since his Hired Man days 26 years ago. Sure it's set is minimalistic but the company of 17 are excellent and the standing ovation from most of the audience last night was no less than they richly deserved. - Owen | 12 Feb 10 |
