Neil Dowden

“Scott Thomas gives a beautifully subtle, modulated performance as Ranevskaya, conveying both her privileged detachment from day-to-day concerns, and ongoing grief for her son that leads her to seek consolation abroad and neglect her much-loved home.”

“London-based, American director-turned-playwright Nesbitt has brought a new angle to the subject in an engaging and entertaining drama that foregrounds black female experience.”

“It’s a moderately enjoyable show rather than hugely amusing, where some of the comic timing could be sharper – though this may develop during the run.”

“Now Marianne Elliott has revived it with thrilling success at @sohoplace featuring brilliant leading performances from its two American stars Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup.”

“Nicholas Hytner’s production is commendably fluid and engaging.”

“Unwin’s expressionist production – just under 90 minutes straight through – is compelling in its own way without really touching our emotions.”

“If this daring experiment doesn’t quite come off, it’s still a compelling piece of theatre that boasts stellar performances from Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss in alternating roles.”

“Under Breen’s meticulously choreographed direction we see characters criss-crossing the stage in close proximity with each other although in different houses.”

“In what must be one of the finest performances of his career, Lester’s charismatic Cyrano enthrals us throughout, as the bombastic yet sensitive cavalier whose jeu d’esprit conceals a vulnerable heart.”

“But the targets are rather scattergun later as the writing becomes somewhat unfocused.”

“Elliott’s production balances the surface sexiness with underlying nastiness.”

“Nicola Walker is tremendous as Miriam, capturing both her passionate determination to find her missing son and the destructive effect it has on the rest of the family, in a rounded portrayal of abrasive provocation, emotional fragility, and barbed humour.”

“The show’s concentrated energy is impressive.”

“The show is great fun and super-slick, but lacks the genuine chill of the film – it’s a bit too entertaining for its own good.”

“Macdonald’s production is poignant but never portentous.”

“Dunster handles the play's complex ideas adeptly in a show that balances claustrophobic suspense with provocative humour.”

“In the meantime, this thrilling revival of his first major play more than whets the appetite.”