Reader Reviews
The Seafarer (Cottesloe (National Theatre), West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I'd been looking forward to this for months as I've long held The Weir to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century, and McPherson's other work has enthralled me too. This (for once monologue-free) huis clos is another showcase for his brilliant talent, and I was moved to tears by the simple ending to what is essentialy no more than a piece of high class Irish blarney. A great production and fine acting by a wonderful cast led by Karl Johnson, Jim Norton and Conleth Hill - what more could I wish for? - 82.45.120.61) | 05 Jan 07 |
| Fantastically acted, funny, menacing in places and extremely atmospheric (especially at this time of year). I wasn't too sure about the ending, but prepare yourself to be immersed in this group of men's Christmas Eve. My first Conor McPherson play and I'll looking out for more of his plays. - 90.194.226.20) | 19 Dec 06 |
| It would have got 5 stars from me had the play been better written. As for the acting - it is virtuoso. This production should be on the sylabus of every aspiring young actor. They are all excellent but in particular Jim Norton gives a masterclass in acting and Karl Johnson's riveting portrayal as his younger brother is spot on. I should also mention Conleith Hill who's comic timing is perfect and makes for an hilarious performance. Michael McElhatton in his "Versace" jacket deftly expressed all the tension and frustration of a Loser and finally, Ron Cook makes his alta ego frightening enough to scare the pants off me! The staid looking NT audience the night I attended - who looked as if they had commuted in from Tunbridge Wells - hooted with delight at the curtain call - now that says a lot. - 172.141.184.220) | 29 Oct 06 |
| I loved it. Yes - Conor McPherson is writing a play about men and drink, but it is utterly mesmerising. You're drawn to witness these men sinking deeper and deeper into drink, even though you know how much it destroys them. And the relationship between the brothers - played by Jim Norton and Karl Johnson - is just superb. Touching, funny and horrific all at once. - 195.93.21.104) | 05 Oct 06 |
| A playwright who is mining a seam which has run out.Just not good enough. First half was banal-improved in the second. It begs the question-how was this play seen to be good enough or was it purely on the back of previous excellent work? - 81.129.108.150) | 04 Oct 06 |
| One star i think thats extremely harsh. I think this play will get better and better once the actors inhabit their roles more comfortably. As it is a one room set the strength of the play relys soley on the actors and the script. I thought it was very funny in places and also quiet tragic at times. Not sure about the Faustian twist, it felt a bit cheap given the playrights very good reputation. I would probably give it a generous 3, as i think it will get better as the run goes on. Again i thought Conleth Hill was great and Jim Norton was hilarious as the cantakerous older brother. - 195.167.131.130) | 28 Sep 06 |
| I went to see the 1st showing of it on a college trip last wed and I fell asleep watching it. It is the worst show I ever seen in my life!!:( - 194.83.84.15) | 26 Sep 06 |
