Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre | reviews, news & interviews
Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre
Enlightenment, Hampstead Theatre
Edward Hall’s first offering is an exciting metaphysical thriller
Wednesday, 06 October 2010
Tearful encounters: Paul Freeman as Gordon and Julie Graham as Lia in 'Enlightenment'Manuel Harlan
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.
There’s a twisted emotional knot in the very guts of this satirical and intensely likeable work
Explore topics
Share this article
The future of Arts Journalism
You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!
We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d
And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.
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
The Fifth Step, Soho Place review - wickedly funny two-hander about defeating alcoholism
David Ireland pits a sober AA sponsor against a livewire drinker, with engaging results
The Deep Blue Sea, Theatre Royal Haymarket review - Tamsin Greig honours Terence Rattigan
The 1952 classic lives to see another day in notably name-heavy revival
The Brightening Air, Old Vic review - Chekhov jostles Conor McPherson in writer-director's latest
The Irishman's first new play in over a decade is engaging but overstuffed
1536, Almeida Theatre review - fast and furious portrayal of women in Henry VIII's England
This wild, intelligent play is a tour de force till the doom-laden finale
The Comedy About Spies, Noel Coward Theatre review - 'Goes Wrong' team hit the spot again
More mayhem from the Mischief company
House of Games, Hampstead Theatre review - adapted Mamet screenplay entertains but is defanged
Richard Bean has turned Mamet's steel trap into an amusing puzzle
Here We Are, National Theatre review - Sondheim's sensational swan song
The late composer bids farewell with a show made-to-order for now
Giant, Harold Pinter Theatre review - incendiary Roald Dahl drama with topical bite
John Lithgow gives a masterclass in delivering a 'human booby trap'
Einkvan, Det Norske Teatret, The Coronet Theatre review - alienation times six
Estranged father, mother and son each doubled in Jon Fosse’s mesmerising meditation
The Gang of Three, King's Head Theatre - three old Labour ghosts resurrected to entertain and educate
Beautifully written and equally well acted play resonates down the decades
Conversations After Sex, Park Theatre review - pillow talk proves a snooze
Award-winning Irish play fails to reach a memorable climax
Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's Globe - swagger and vivacity cohabit with death
Sean Holmes’ Western-style production brings a flamboyant start to the summer season
Add comment