Reader Reviews
The Hotel in Amsterdam (Donmar Warehouse, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I think most of the reviewers here have got it dead right. It's a good play, but not a great one and yes, there's no getting away from the fact that it is rather dull. And everyone's right about Tom Hollander. The cast is good - but he is excellent. Andrew B - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.130.127.205) | 28 Oct 03 |
| This was a mixed evening to say the least. This play by the normally very good John Osborne is as stale as any loaf of bread left out for 2 months. The story is silly, the characters carboard cut outs and the whole point of the play seems to be for Osborne to rant about the world through the character of Laurie, very dull stuff indeed. However this production is well crafted and has some superb actors in its cast. Adrian Bower (of Teachers fame), Olivia Williams and Anthony Calf all turn in very well judged performances. However the night completely belongs to the excellent Tom Hollander. Hollander is perfect as the bitchy, ranting, angered Laurie, he steals the whole play. However I still have to ask the question why did the donmar decide to put on this dull play? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.204.208) | 22 Oct 03 |
| It's what the Donmar do best a top class 'A' cast..the playing of all is a joy and should be seen by all who long to know what fine acting is all about. The play is not great but you can not take your eyes off them for the whole 2 hours. It's not sold out so go...it seems unfair to pick him out but it is Tom H at his VERY best. I want to give it 5 but 4.5 will have to do! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.13.129.151) | 25 Sep 03 |
| The Hotel In Amsterdam is a strange evening out, I was not bored and it held my attention throughout, but I couldn’t help thinking how quaint or old fashioned some of the jokes were, it seemed resolutely a period piece rather than many plays from post-war onwards which still have great relevance to our society (not to mention pre 1945 drama actually). It was a somewhat flat evening and I was disappointed, even though I thought Tom Hollander’s performance was skilful. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.62.168) | 24 Sep 03 |
| I'm with the 3.5 person, so I've added their half to mine to give it 4 ! Not a great play, but an interesting period piece with some great lines (albeit not 2003 PC). It's a worthy revival given an excellent production, some good performaces (and a great one from Tom Hollander). It's what the Donmar do so well. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.211.102.3) | 23 Sep 03 |
| I wasn't bored at all, and would give it 3 and a half stars if that were possible. I thought there was much more in it than has been suggested. It's not just about Osborne, or Tony Richardson, but about relationships generally - between friends, parents and children, siblings, married couples etc - I found it very touching in parts. And the cast are wonderful - not just Hollander, though he's terrific - I would single out Anthony Calf as well, but they're all good. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.32.57) | 19 Sep 03 |
| yep, nice to look at but basically boring. hollander is on fine fine form - and raised a few laughs when his character rants about journalists who've written him off for not fulfilling his early promise. a brave move - USER: Whatsonstage.com (82.35.62.168) | 18 Sep 03 |
