Reader Reviews
The Physicists (Donmar Warehouse, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | really boring and played like a carry on film - this was poor. - Dave F-T | 14 Jul 12 |
| I hate absurdist comedy so it was inevitable that The Physicists would not be to my taste but even by the standards of the genre this play, ostensibly about psychiatric patients and murdered nurses, was horribly unfunny and featured yet another grotesque display of over acting from Sophie Thompson. It may have struck a chord with audiences in the 60s living in the shadow of a nuclear threat but today it seems dated and irrelevant. The only saving graces were a relatively restrained performance by rising star John Heffernan and Miranda Raison looking absolutely gorgeous with long blonde hair, but as she got bumped off before the interval the only reason to return would have been to count the empty seats. After building a reputation as an international powerhouse punching well above its weight I now have serious concerns about the Donmar. Admittedly The Recruiting Officer was superb but two duds will be followed by a very ordinary Brian Friel play. I truly hope I am wrong but there is a chance that the Donmar could be heading for a period like the Hampstead before Ed Hall rode to the rescue. - David Baxter | 13 Jul 12 |
| Some of the critics comment that this play is dated as the Cold War is behind us. Let's not forget there are still certain countries with unhinged dictators who are developing weapons of mass destruction! I thoroughly enjoyed this play which was superbly acted, John Heffernan and Justin Salinger are particularly noteworthy. What is the price of a great mind and devastating discovery in the world of physics? Although this is an absurdist play, it certainly makes you think and the final moments are quite terrifying. - Karen | 10 Jul 12 |
| Low expectations - high level of enjoyment. Perfect cast, thought provoking and the kind of thing the Donmar does so well. - Ed | 01 Jul 12 |
| A Dr Strangelove also ran, this does not succeed in combining the drama and comedy of nuclear annihilation in anywhere near as delectable a fashion. The drama is never very threatening, and the comedy is never funny enough. It is, however, relentlessly interesting and different. And John Heffernan proves he can do anything. Having seen him in countless plays recently, he is again completely different. And in this one, when his eyes well up with tears and fears for humanity, he is again utterly believable. Presumably he got some of his despair over humanity from the Damien Hirst exhibition, where I came face to face with him staring at the pickled sharks recently. - steveatplays | 11 Jun 12 |
| Loved it. Didn't think the second half quite matched up to the first, but it was a joy to watch and brilliantly acted all round. John Heffernan is simply wonderful - a real star. - Claire | 09 Jun 12 |
| Hard-going and spirit-sapping. - af | 08 Jun 12 |
| I loved it!!! A bit weird and wonderfully acted/ - Doram | 08 Jun 12 |
| Saw a preview and it was a pure joy how the English take is on this outstanding Swiss masterpiece. John Heffernan was finally allowed to prove himself as leading actor. More like this. A must see. - Elisabeth | 08 Jun 12 |
| Absolutely bonkers play, but that's a relief from the turgid 'slice of life' british shit that's going about at the moment. Heffernan is extraordinary. Not everyone will like it, but it's worth a look. - Cassox | 08 Jun 12 |
| The third stinker in a row. Enough is enough Ms. Rourke.......and please reinstate the back wall on your way out. We can't hear the actors. - coral | 08 Jun 12 |
