Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre | reviews, news & interviews
Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre
Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre
Edward Hall’s first offering is an exciting metaphysical thriller
When, earlier this year, Edward Hall took the reins at the Hampstead Theatre, some eyebrows were raised. It’s meant to be a new-writing theatre and Hall has had much more experience directing Shakespeare than in tackling new plays. On the other hand, this venue needed a clean sweep and Hall is certainly able to wield a new broom vigorously. His first show, Shelagh Stephenson’s thrilling play about the disappearance of a gap-year student, opened last night — and it’s an excellent debut.
When, earlier this year, Edward Hall took the reins at the Hampstead Theatre, some eyebrows were raised. It’s meant to be a new-writing theatre and Hall has had much more experience directing Shakespeare than in tackling new plays. On the other hand, this venue needed a clean sweep and Hall is certainly able to wield a new broom vigorously. His first show, Shelagh Stephenson’s thrilling play about the disappearance of a gap-year student, opened last night — and it’s an excellent debut.
Explore topics
Share this article
Subscribe to theartsdesk.com
Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.
To take a subscription now simply click here.
And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?
more Theatre
Guards at the Taj, Orange Tree Theatre review - miniature marvel with rich resonances
Rajiv Joseph’s play pitting beauty against duty gets an impressive staging
The Buddha of Suburbia, Barbican Theatre review - farcical fun, but what about the issues?
Hanif Kureishi classic gets a compulsively comic makeover from Emma Rice
How To Survive Your Mother, King's Head Theatre review - mummy issues drive autobiographical dramedy
Lots of heartache, but a strange void where the heart of the play should be
Dr Strangelove, Noël Coward Theatre review - an evening of different parts
Kubrick’s humour doesn't always detonate as it should in Armando Iannucci's version
Reykjavik, Hampstead Theatre review - drama frozen by waves of detail
Richard Bean’s new play revisits the Hull fishing industry of the 1970s
The Forsyte Saga Parts 1 and 2, Park Theatre review - if Chekhov did soap operas
Joseph Millson leads a super cast in a classy production from Troupe Theatre Company
The Wild Duck, The Norwegian Ibsen Company, Coronet Theatre review - slow burn, devastating climax
Ibsen's pitiless take on the 'life lie' is another triumph for Norwegians in Notting Hill
Autumn, Park Theatre review - on stage as in politics, Brexit drama promises much, but loses its way
Promising production, beautifully acted, slides into side plots and confusion
The Fear of 13, Donmar Warehouse review - powerful analysis of a gross injustice
A magnificent Adrien Brody leads a moving production by Justin Martin
The Duchess [of Malfi], Trafalgar Theatre review - actors imprisoned by confused time travelling
Zinnie Harris's modern take robs the play of its tragic potential
What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, Marylebone Theatre review - explosive play for today
Nathan Englander probes a divide in modern Jewish identity; Patrick Marber directs
Land of the Free, Southwark Playhouse review - John Wilkes Booth portrayed in play that resonates across 160 years
A president shot, as a divided country seeks political solutions
Add comment