Much of what Gareth James has said I agree with, but I would also add that I hated the dismal staging (or more to the point - what staging?). A silly raised section was a constant distraction making Amanda (Deborah Finlay) appear to limp as much as her crippled daughter. I like Deborah Findlay, but she was totally miscast and misdirected in this production. The character of the mother is as tragic as the daughter's but this did not come across from the very robust Ms Findlay - I almost expected her to go into Rose's Turn at one point!! I have seen my fair share of TW's plays over the years and think I am able to give an opinion on how they should be played. To me the finest production I have seen of this play was at The Shaw Festival, Canada, in 2006 when Seanna McKenna, as Amanda, and Sarah Topham, as Laura, gave the most convincing and heart breaking performances I have ever seen. After seeing, recently, a pathetic A Flea In Her Ear at the Old Vic and now this, all 4 stars according to Mr Coveney, I am beginning to wonder if it isn't about time he haug up his pencil? :) - rds
30 Dec 10
Appalling! I lasted 40 minutes and hated every one. I've seen the play several times before, including The Donmar. This was so disappointing. - Jon
30 Nov 10
Laden with superlative reviews, I suppose it was going to be difficult to live up to them – and so it proved. Perhaps I was a little over-excited. Tennessee Williams is one of my top ten playwrights. Director Joe Hill-Gibbins is new to be but I was bowled over by his Beauty Queen of Leenane earlier in the year in the same theatre. Deborah Findlay is a favourite actress who we don’t get to see anywhere near often enough. There was a little too much of deconstructionist Katie Mitchell’s influence in the staging, like musicians and ‘backstage’ on view throughout, which I’m not convinced suits an intense drama where it seems to me realism is crucial. As much as I Love Deborah Findlay, I felt she was OTT, turning Amanda into too much of a comic creation. The concept, and Jeremy Herbert’s design, distanced the audience from the play and the characters where I feel you need to be on top of it – maybe I just can’t get the Donmar’s terrific staging out of my head. The only scene which gripped fully was the ‘courting’ of Laura (a little over-acted by Sinead Matthews) & Jim (an excellent Kyle Soller), where a back curtain brought the scene nearer to the audience and blocked out the backstage distractions. Otherwise, the acting honours mostly belonged to Leo Bill, who brought the sort of light and shade TW needs - passion where the role needs passion, diffidence where necessary etc. The music / soundscape was very atmospheric but I think would have been more so had it not been given such visual prominence. There was much to enjoy, but it wasn’t the exciting re-invention I was led to expect. I didn’t read the reviews, but caught the stars in passing – maybe I should avoid this in future lest it makes me expect too much (or too little!). - Gareth James
29 Nov 10
For once I agree with Coveney! I can see why the style of the production may not be to all tastes, but it's fascinating and intelligent and boasts stunning performances from Leo Bill (quickly becoming a favourite actor of mine) and Sinead Matthews. As for the play itself, I've nothing to add to what everyone has already said: it's beautiful and almost unbearably moving at times. As a frequent theatregoers I'm deeply embarrassed to say I wasn't familiar with this particular classic beforehand, but I don't think I could have hoped for a better introduction to it than this. - 3rdspearcarrier
19 Nov 10
Fabulous! The scene between Laura and the visitor is really poignant and drew me right in the emotional core of the play. - Mark
18 Nov 10
Absolutely amazing! I was blown away by this incredible production. Joe Hill Gibbins has taken Williams theatrical structure and pushed it to create a magical piece of theatre. Also it is a very funny play, I remember seeing a terrible production where everything was very dour and dull, not so here. The cast are superb, particularly Leo Bill who brings something fresh and suprising to the role of Tom. Also the long scene between Laura and the gentleman caller is one of the best you will see on the London Stage. BOOK! - Hamish
