The Things Good Men Do

Synopsis

A dark comedy set in the present day, late twenty-something professional London. When a relationship he'd rather forget comes back to haunt reformed womaniser Nick, he realises for the first time that a picture perfect middle-class life might not be a given. How far will he go to keep himself in the game that everyone else seems to be playing?

Our Review:

28 March 2007

Most tube-travelling theatregoers leave the Angel and turn right onto Upper Street, heading for the King’s Head or Almeida. But a smart left turn takes you fifty yards to the Old Red Lion, where Dan Muirden’s The Things Good Men Do could prove to be this year’s Rabbit.

It is not as accomplished or as tightly written as Nina Raine’s play but, like Rabbit, Things is a promising debut with an unmistakeable ring of truth in its depiction of emotional crisis among the young professional city slickers. It begins with best mates Nick (Tom Harper) and Joe (Samuel James) spinning a globe to quiz each other on the nationality of their sexual conquests.

Nick, Muirden’s central character, is a ghastly, self-regarding hedge fund manager who wants to settle down and have children with Lucy (Victoria Shalet). He is played by Harper as a young Tom Conti type, with a similar glossy, brushed back coiffure and a pathetically...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

steveb - 2 April 2007:

The Red Lion has been on a roll for the last couple of years. I have seen some really good stuff, but this is the best so far. The WOS stage review outlines all the plot details. Why I would say this stands out is the quality of the acting, the superb character development and the authenticity of the script. All of the actors were excellent. Susanna Fiore who plays Adriana though was exceptional. It was pitch perfect in portraying someone who is vulnerable,and needy, but who illicits great sympathy. My only negative was with Nick played by Tom Harper. He was great at showing the character's dark side, and devious motives. But I have a problem with shouting on stage. I think it should be used sparingly, and it was over used here. I don't agree with the WOS stage review that the writing is bitty or that the play drifts. I counted three lines which I thought lacked authenticity, which is a remarkable hit rate. Also it was just the right length to allow for character development. This really hits the mark because all the parts are believable, are complex and go beyond stereotypes. It feels very contemporary about modern relationships, and has a lot to say - precisely what I go to fringe theatre for. This is one of the best I've seen in years - wholeheartedly recommended....

Read more and add your own review