Brilliant acting from all concerned, though I thought Gillian Anderson was particularly affecting. I'm usually very wary of film and TV actors treading the boards but she gave one of the performances of the year. Highly recommended. - addicted to theatre
06 Jul 09
Sometimes ignorance is an advantage. I have no previous experience of A Doll's House so Zinnie Harris' updating did not offend me as much as the critics and indeed some patrons leaving the Donmar. In fact the political context raised many rueful laughs as Toby Stephens railed about the need for trust and integrity. However, Ms Harris also saddled Christopher Eccleston with some appallingly anachronistic dialogue and he responded with a cackhanded performance which bore absoloutely no resemblance to an Edwardian Cabinet minister, however discredited. Elsewhere the performances are exemplary, lead by Gillian Anderson (flawless accent in place). She brilliantly conveyed the growing sense of horror and revulsion at the consequences of her actions and proved that Nora had far more substance than anyone gave her credit for - she even seemed to physically diminish between Acts I & II. I am a huge fan of Ibsen but have not managed to see A Doll's House until now. This was a very fine production but one that made me determined to see the play that Ibsen actually wrote. - David Baxter
25 Jun 09
I have to admit: I don't know the original play, so I can't compare. But I absolutely loved this play, so I guess it can stand on it's on, when you don't know Ibsen's original version.
What impressed me the most about the play though are the actors. I don't really know what the reviewer from 12th june saw, but I thought Toby Stephens was brilliant. And there is absolutely NO way Eccleston could've played his role. Eccleston wasn't perfect as Kelman, that's true indeed, but I don't see why he would've been better as Thomas. (not to mention: Anderson and Stephens have an amazing chemistry)
Matter of factly I thought Gillian Anderson and Toby Stephens gave the strongest perfromances and the last act left me speechless.
The play was full of dramatic moments, but also filled with a humor that sometimes made you laugh simply because you felt so uncomfortable. (very black humor indeed)
The play truly left me thinking and I think it's worth buying a ticket just to see these amazing actors at work. - Marion
14 Jun 09
Wow....just wow. This was my first London play experience which left me physical shaking in the end. Even when Toby Youngs' character Thomas threads Nora like a child, I felt sorry for him in the end. I also felt the way how the door closed very fitting. I also read Ibsens' original version after I have seen the new version and the original pales in comparison. Zinnie Harris adaption is clever, ironic and full of black humor. I had a great time as had the audience. The whole cast is superb, but Gillian Anderson as Nora and Toby Young as Thomas are outstanding. Those two have a sizzling chemistry which sucked me in within mere seconds as both of them were on stage. Tara Fitzgerald and Christopher Eccleston shine in a scene in the thrid act.
A great acted, very entertaining play and well worth to get up early and queue for standing tickets. - Sadie
13 Jun 09
Gillian Anderson steals the show, she is STUNNING. Toby Stephens, however, is NOT. Christopher Eccleston would have been much better playing his part instead of the dodgy landlord which he seemed uncomfortable playing?. A flawed production which, I have to say, surprised me for the the Donmar which usually can do no wrong. Zinnie Harris' version hasn't done Ibsen any favours at all. It seems to have been played for cheap laughs, and not getting them either. Sure the political references engendered a few titters, but that was to be expected given what's been going on lately, but that was about it. It was only Ms Anderson, Tara Fitzgerald and the wonderful Anton Lessar which helped to raise my rating of this play up to 3 stars, that and the set, but only just! - rds
12 Jun 09
The professional reviewers who've taken against this seem locked in comparisons with Ibsen's original (well, I suppose if you call it 'a new adaptation by' you set yourself up for that), but in doing so I think they're missing a rather good play. I find its themes timeless and the dialogue in this is fresh and compelling. I doubt you could get 5 faultless leading performances this good anywhere else and Anthony Ward's set takes your breath away even before the play has started. Another fine achievement at the Donmar. - Gareth James
09 Jun 09
There must be tickets out there on E-bay - then get one! the cast are magnifcient and in the stalls it just rips out the audience's heart. Not pure Ibsen though - and that'll upset the traditionalists - David f
20 May 09
One of the best and most up to date plays running at West End now! A must see! The acting is brilliant in all departments but especially the leading roles are worth mentioning. Great adaptation and setting! To bad it's a sold out run! - Anja
20 May 09
My first London play experence. I liked the setting and costumes. The acting was first rate. I especially loved Gillian Anderson. Too bad all the tickets are sold, because I would recommend attending. - Tracy
18 May 09
A beautiful adaptation of a classic play. All the performances were great and especially from Gillian Anderson who is brilliant as Nora!!! Definately a must see! - Natalie
18 May 09
Wonderful adaptation of the Ibsen classic. The play seems unusually up to date with it's moral questions of politics and money affairs, games of hypocrisy and power. The stage setting is simple but with an inspiring directness and the theater itself creates a very private and intense atmosphere. The acting is superb. Especially Gillian Andersons' and Tara Fitzgeralds' performances are outstanding. Anderson beautifully captures the many layers of the Nora character and make them shine in a believable and touching light.
A definite must see for theater lovers! - Sabrina
18 May 09
I've seen the Play! I'm not infrequently attending theatre, but I've never seen something doing with this! This Production is magnificent and the main merit of it - miss Anderson.
She was born to play this charater,she's extremely talanted by God actress and incredibly beautiful woman. You just can't take off your look off her, because she's attracting you like a magnet. Thank you. - Helena
18 May 09
I had the misfortune to sit through Gillian Anderson first play in which she was plain dreadful many years ago and yesterday I tried to watch A Doll´s House. Jesus Christ, this woman can´t act. She is extremely insecure. It´s truly pathetic. Don´t waste your time or money. Go see The winter´s Tale or The Cherry Orchard, both are beautifully acted and directed. - CruiseJonathan
18 May 09
Saw the first night yesterday evening. Wonderful performances all round, Gillian Anderson has real moments of magic. The whole run is sold out but I highly recommend queuing for day tickets. - Cathy
