Reader Reviews
Period of Adjustment (Almeida Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Dreadful. The acting, script and direction were all dire - the only thing to be said for it was the set! What on earth were the Almeida doing putting this on in the first place? Staggeringly over acted to the point of becoming a macabre pantomime. Surely black actors deserve to be given better material, which does not patronise or pigeon hole them, than this. And one other thing what was it with the clunky accents? It was an African 'ello 'ello. The incredibly slow response to applaud at the close of the first act tonight was a clear sign of what the audience thought of it. - rds | 21 May 10 |
| Thoroughly enjoyed this: a very untypical example of Williams' work, although there is much of his purple prose, there is also an optimism here and a gift for uproarious comedy (the end of Act 1 was like Deep South Ayckbourn!) that one wouldn't normally associate with this dramatist. Howard Davies' production doesn't put a foot wrong, from the magnificent set (you really believe this house is about to disappear down a chasm) to a fine cast of four. Benedict Cumberbatch's superbly wrought desperation and aggression is an interesting contrast from his recent stage work, Jared Harris is quietly haunting as his fundamentally decent friend, while Sandy McDade is hilarious as his prissy but lovable wife, and Lisa Dillon is best of all, displaying an unexpected gift for comedy alongside the pathos as an uprooted Southern belle: a wonderful performance. Highly recommended. - 195.82.123.181) | 19 Apr 06 |
| We saw 9 shows in as many days in the west end, Period of Adjustment was the best. Benedict Cumberbatch was nothing short of magnificant and stood out, even in an ensemble cast that is unsurpassed. This show should get awards all around!! - 72.136.251.94) | 17 Apr 06 |
| This is nowhere near TW's best work, but it's a fascinating play and a must for anyone interested in the dramatist. Here at the Almeida, it gets an enthralling production by Howard Davies, which is extremely well acted on a terrific set.....and for a TW play, it's got a lot of laughs ! - 86.134.145.194) | 31 Mar 06 |
| We had a very enjoyable evening at the Almeida(what a lovely theatre!)THe production was extremely good and well acted. THe set and lighting added to the atmosphere of the play. Plenty of emotion, good humour and pathos.Worth going. - 84.66.216.99) | 29 Mar 06 |
| An thoughtful and touching production and excellent acting make this play well worth seeing. This was an enjoyable night at the theatre. - 213.40.131.100) | 26 Mar 06 |
