“It is still a captivating play and a great reminder of the brilliant world that lurks behind a relatively hidden door on Jermyn Street.” All That Dazzles (UK) Staff, Jan 8 · 4/5 stars
PLAYOff-WECLOSED
Orphans
Opened Jan 7, 2026 · Closed Jan 24, 2026 · Ran for less than a month
7 Positive
2 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Strong performances enliven this intimate revival, but the production's emphasis on humor undercuts the play's darker moments, leaving its shifting power dynamics and visceral impact somewhat disconnected.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
10 reviews7 Positive
2 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“What holds the attention is the way Kessler incrementally shifts the power dynamics within the trio, and the lurid weirdness of it all.” By Nick Curtis, Jan 8 · 4/5 stars
“It’s darkly funny and emotionally bruising and well worth catching.” By Dave B., Jan 10 · 3/5 stars
“It’s an entertaining and snappily paced production, but the emphasis on laughs makes the moments of violence and grief feel so disconnected that they rarely achieve the visceral impact that they should.” By Dave Fargnoli, Jan 8
“But what lingers in the mind here is the play’s more soft-centred side, the affection between the characters rather than the animosity, as if its setting in the City of Love (Kessler’s home town) has been taken literally.” By Helen Hawkins, 3/5 stars
