What the Night is For

Synopsis

Melinda Metz, a married woman, who after many years, once again meets her married ex-lover. He comes to her hotel room for dinner - and one passionate night of honesty and deceit, hope and regret. Uncompromising in its attitude towards modern marriage and infidelity, What The Night Is For directly addresses the question: Is the person you are with the right one? Or are they still out there, living another life?

Our Review:

28 November 2002

Here's a possibly supernatural mystery for Mulder to investigate: how did his partner Scully get involved in What the Night Is For? Since the occasion marks the London stage debut of Gillian Anderson, the latest American star to be appearing in the West End, Mulder might also enquire what it is about lousy two-handers that seems to draw star actors like moths to flames, where instead of flying they tend to get their acting wings severely singed?

The last few years have produced any number of examples, from Donald Sutherland in Enigmatic Variations and David Warner in A Feast of Snails to the Comedy Theatre's most recent tenant, On an Average Day, with Woody Harrelson and Kyle MacLachlan. Now we have another less than average play at the Comedy, where laughter is hardly on the menu as it earnestly seeks to replay the re-ignited passion of two former flames.

Eleven years ago, Melinda Metz (Anderson) and Adam Penzius ([Rog...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.85.18.7) - 7 February 2003:

With only four more performances to go you can't miss this one! Gillian Anderson and Roger Allam have molded this twisty-turny tale into one emotional walk through a very relevant and modern topic. The content is exactly what makes this play a breathe of fresh air in the West End Wind--it's relevant and matters to those in their 30's or 40's or still young enough at heart to appreciate what love is and can be with the right person--or is it? Anderson has seasoned well in her role and she brings it to life along with her co-star Allam in delicious scenes tinged with a comic edge. This show surely will launch both Anderson and Allam into many delightful future adventures. Anderson has proven that she can deliver with a special brand of comic timing. True "Art in Motion" and the best example of what theatre should be! This play MUST go to New York!...

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