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So good!
13 March 2024
I couldn’t get enough of this play and the central actors. Mesmerising, evocative and a real throwback to a time of decadence, passion and individuality. Thank you all for this moment of true joy!
Tim Widdowson Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Riveting
12 March 2024
Huge talent -beautiful scenes. Building of tension is moving and mesmerising.
Paula Trimborn Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Gatiss steals the show
11 March 2024
This play about a play, which has a play-within-a-play of course, is a must-see for fans of Shakespeare, Hamlet, sixties Hollywood icons and theatre in general. Its depiction of the stresses of staging a radical version of a classic is engaging throughout. Flynn's Richard Burton is at times too O'Toole-like for this reviewer, but Mark Gatiss is so strong as John Gielgud that it is easy to forget that it is not actually him. Brilliant.
David Burton Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Poor diction
10 March 2024
This play is all about the language, and unfortunately the lead character, Richard Burton was really difficult to follow. He spoke too fast sometimes, and sounded raspy and strangulated. It spoiled my appreciation of the whole performance. Sorry.
Mima Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Moved and blown away
9 March 2024
It was so moving to see the creative process, to witness utter grief and soul. A rare place, and riveting
Anon Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Amazing
8 March 2024
What an incredible script and superb acting. Exceeded my expectations.
Ros Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Sublime
4 March 2024
I have never cried with emotion watching anything Hamlet - related before. From pain, possibly. The whole cast make this fabulous piece an intimate one to be part of. However, Messrs Gattiss and Flynn steered the conflict and reunion in a very personal way. Thank you. I'm not sure I'll see theatre like this again, and it was an absolute pleasure.
Holly MR Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Motivation
3 March 2024
A wonderful story so brilliantly performed. Loved the interaction and empathy between the actors. The second half, in particular, was incredibly moving. Will stay in the memory.
Sara Capaldi Confirmed ticket purchaser
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3 March 2024
Superb!!!!!
Jo Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Outstanding
1 March 2024
Superb acting, and in my view unmissable.
A huge thank you to all involved!
Rachel Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Utterly brilliant
27 February 2024
What an amazing evening! Completely amazing and fantastic and funny performances by Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss, who captured both Burton and Gielgud so incredibly well. A big Bravo to the two of them. Also a really brilliant script by Jack Thorne.
Sarah B Confirmed ticket purchaser
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very worthwhile
24 February 2024
A very well written play with a strong cast. Effectively staged in a beautiful old theatre.
We came away with lots to think about and discuss: the challenges that fame/celebrity gained at a young age can bring, the destructiveness of alcoholism, the vulnerability that comes with aging. Not to mention the nature of live performance and a renewed appreciation of the genius of Shakespeare!
And there were laugh out loud moments too.
Rowena Harris Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Really enjoyed
24 February 2024
Mark Gatiss and Johnny Flynn were superb. It was a great play ☺️
BE Confirmed ticket purchaser
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A good afternoon at the theatre
23 February 2024
I did enjoy the play - the leads were fantastic- but it was very wordy(not sure how the actors do 8 performances a week!) And although I would recommend it it was not the best thing I have seen recently at the theatre. The £25 seats were excellent value
Jacky Smith Confirmed ticket purchaser
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I couldn't tear my gaze away
23 February 2024
I really didn't know what to expect from this. It was appealing for its characters and actors but I wasn't sure of the premise. I'm so glad I gave it a go because I thought it was mesmerising. What a clever set up, what beautiful writing and direction. Seamless interchanges and such a treat to have an insight into the rehearsal process too. Funny, thought-provoking, and moving. It must be quite the challenge for an actor to portray another actor within recent memory, who must then portray a Shakespearean character, and all of them were superb. Johnny Flynn's gradually tempering Richard Burton as Hamlet is a joy, and Tuppence Middleton presents a sizzling yet warmly domestic version of Elizabeth Taylor. But for me, Mark Gatiss shone most brightly. Gatiss truly becomes Guilgud until Gatiss disappears. Remarkable.
Laura Jones Confirmed ticket purchaser
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AMAZING!
22 February 2024
One of the best plays in the West End at the moment. Outstanding performances, superb writing and a gem of a story. Highly recommend this show1
Caroline Levy Confirmed ticket purchaser
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20 February 2024
We missed a lot of the first half because we were in disabled seats on the back row of the Royal Circle. Found it v difficult to hear, Johnny Flynn in particular.
Got head sets for the 2nd half - brilliant!
Maureen Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Outstanding!
18 February 2024
Mark Gatiss is mesmerising in his warmly amusing Geilgud. Burton was excellently portrayed as an irritatingly egotistical thesp' who became humbly transformed. Magical theatre all round
Marion Confirmed ticket purchaser
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18 February 2024
Excellent play
Jules Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Amazing performances
17 February 2024
Brilliant play with amazing performances from all involved
Samuel Confirmed ticket purchaser
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So glad I saw this
16 February 2024
Wonderful script and first-rate performances. So glad I made the effort to travel down from Scotland to see this.
KarinF Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Masterclass in acting
16 February 2024
Where to start, we loved every minute. Sir John and Rich were outstanding in every aspect of the play. Superb ensemble cast . Highlight and most memorable moment-was the ending of the play and Zadok the Priest soundtrack. Spine tingling . We traveled from Edinburgh and we were not disappointed!
Maggie Confirmed ticket purchaser
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The Motive and the Cue
13 February 2024
A first class performance that left you remembering. I must admit I didn't know this original story back in 1964, so felt rescued in my failing knowledge. I wish all the cast good fortune in the future.
Steve Mardy Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Amazing
13 February 2024
Great performance from Mark Gatiss ,Geilgud and Burton tho sometimes difficult to tell what Buryon was saying.
Large cast with little scripts !
Fantastic.
Carol Oxley Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Mediocre
12 February 2024
The sound system in the theatre is poor, fortunately John Gielgud spoke well and enunciated. Richard Burton was floundering with his gruff and rasping Port Talbot infection.
First half a slow burn. Second half more interesting and emotional.
So not a rave review. The production was lively and interesting. Lighting good and set design clever.
I don’t Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Great, but know your Hamlet!
11 February 2024
Beautifully crafted and ultimately quite moving, this play is extremely well acted. However, some in my party got less from it than I did as they were not as familiar with Hamlet as I am. Five stars from me but probably 4 or even three from others.
Colin T Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Excellent
9 February 2024
Very well done. Emotional towards the end. Gave a new perspective on Hamlet. Sets gave the feeling of being in the space.
Anna Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Stunning
6 February 2024
Superb central performances with strong support. Funning and ultimately very moving exploration of the complex relationship between Gielgud and Burton.
Judith Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Amazing production
4 February 2024
portrayal of household names so good you have to remind yourself what you're actually watching and impossible to come away without renewed and deeper respect for the acting profession
dirigirl Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Memorable for all the right reasons
4 February 2024
Loved everything about it, the script, the actors, the set. I was entranced by it and can’t wait to see it again!
Maria Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Top Class
4 February 2024
Fantastic. Acting, set, storyline all excellent - a welcome change from all the rubbish that has been staged recently.
GillyP Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Our Review
3 February 2024
A very good play most interesting and very well acted. We have never seen Hamlet so will try and see it now.
Marjorie Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Wonderful
2 February 2024
We went to see the play last night, just so good, Mark Gatiss and Johnny Flynn were amazing in their roles.
A really entertaining few hours, funny, touching, poignant and at times quite sad, everything you need in a show.
We left the theatre full of admiration for the actors and would totally recommend it to anyone.
Bo & David Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Terrific!
1 February 2024
Fabulous casting stunning set designs and costumes
Tour de force from Flynn and Gatiss..Best theatre in a long while loved it
Gilly Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Wonderful evening
31 January 2024
It was refreshing to see a really good play; well acted and engrossing. I had heard how lovely it was and I was not disappointed.
Ann Dickinson Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Motive and the Cue
30 January 2024
The play was outstanding , acting was superb.
A fantastic evening.
David Confirmed ticket purchaser
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A homage to great theatre.
28 January 2024
I was transfixed by by the actors and the story. I have now seen it twice.
I cannot recommend it highly enough. Star performances and excellent ensemble.
David Imrie Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Could not hear
28 January 2024
Could. not hear the first act well enough, but with headphones at the interval, heard every word.
Either get the cast to learn how to project, or suggest head phones to all the audience
Christopher Kevill-Davies Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Amazing
28 January 2024
One of the best productions I’ve ever seen. Gatiss & Flynn were sensational
Georgia Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Brilliant!
26 January 2024
A fascinating play. The performances were amazing particularly Mark Gatiss who plays John Gielgud; you would have believed you were watching Gielgud himself. Johnny Flynn was also good as Burton but didn't quite have the voice. The stage sets were fantastic, I don't know how they did them. The supporting cast were also very good. All in all a 5 star production and nothing to complain about at all!
Flee Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Masterly performances
26 January 2024
This is an absolute must-see. Compelling, emotional, subtle and sensitive. Absolutely enthralling from start to finish. Moved to tears by the end - because it was so moving, or because the curtain was falling? Both, I suspect. Brilliant performances from Mr Gatiss, Mr Flynn and Ms Middleton. All deserve awards for this.
Kay Confirmed ticket purchaser
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The motive and the cue
25 January 2024
Wonderfully acted, cleverly staged, absorbing and enriching. Mark Gatiss as Gielgud was superb and the dynamic between him and Johnny Flynn as Burton was fascinating to watch. I loved this thoughtful and intelligent play.
J Beaumont Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Brilliant production.
25 January 2024
This is without doubt one of the best plays to be staged in the West End for some time. The script is excellent and the direction superb. The two lead characters give a masterclass in acting which should not be missed by lovers of theatre at its' best. The relationship between a director and the actor is explored in depth, resulting in a gripping production. This is a jewel of a show not to be missed.
Peer Gynt Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Flat
24 January 2024
It was so lacklustre that we left during the interval. Three members of my party dozed off - an expensive nap
Samantha Norman Confirmed ticket purchaser
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Run out of superlatives....
24 January 2024
Expecting this play to be good was one thing...but it far exceeded my expectations. The manner in which it was staged, lit and, of course, acted by the whole cast was simply superb. I loved the way it flowed and the seamlessness of the storyline, illustrating the dynamics between the main characters along with their personal struggles; Mark Gatiss oozing biographical pathos as Geilgud and an oh so clever build to the climatic moment of uniqueness for Burton (wow, Jonny Flyn) to the uplifting finale. It probably helps to know Shakespeare's Hamlet .... Jack Thorn has written a play that is destined to become essential reading for lovers of The Bard.
Sarmorsays Confirmed ticket purchaser
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What a breathtaking piece of theatre!
22 January 2024
This play was a joy to watch. It was shaped and structured to perfection and it was an extra treat that I hadn't been expecting to see so much of Hamlet woven through it. The acting was such as I've rarely seen on the stage. Mark Gatiss and Johnny Flynn were mesmerising. This play had so many layers I felt quite overwhelmed at the close of curtains. What an achievement!
Tania Exley-Moore Confirmed ticket purchaser
