The Late Middle Classes, Donmar Warehouse | reviews, news & interviews
The Late Middle Classes, Donmar Warehouse
The Late Middle Classes, Donmar Warehouse
Revival of Simon Gray’s play starts slowly but delivers a powerful punch
Wednesday, 02 June 2010
Helen McCrory and Laurence Belcher: upper-middle-class characters and their difficulties with communicationJohan Persson
The late Simon Gray, who died in 2008, lived a ragged, bruised and battering life. I usually think of him as the John Prescott of playwrights, except that he was miles more articulate, and eventually rewarded by a CBE rather than a peerage. Anyway, he was pugnacious and out of step with playwriting trends. In an age of lefty state-of-the-nation dramas, Gray explored the emotions of upper-middle-class characters and their difficulties with communication. Although he could be irascible, and his published diaries are scorchingly rude, the default position of his plays is an ironic melancholy, as evidenced by this welcome revival of The Late Middle Classes.
The late Simon Gray, who died in 2008, lived a ragged, bruised and battering life. I usually think of him as the John Prescott of playwrights, except that he was miles more articulate, and eventually rewarded by a CBE rather than a peerage. Anyway, he was pugnacious and out of step with playwriting trends. In an age of lefty state-of-the-nation dramas, Gray explored the emotions of upper-middle-class characters and their difficulties with communication. Although he could be irascible, and his published diaries are scorchingly rude, the default position of his plays is an ironic melancholy, as evidenced by this welcome revival of The Late Middle Classes.
Share this article
more Theatre
First Person: author-turned-actor Lydia Higman on a play that foregrounds a slice of forgotten history
'Gunter' co-creator and historian connects a 1604 witch hit to the world today
Foam, Finborough Theatre review - fascism and f*cking in a Gentlemen's Lavatory that proves short of gentlemen
Infamous neo-Nazi brought to life in compelling drama
First person: playwright Paul Grellong on keeping pace with American politics
The author of 'Power of Sail' sets the scene for his play's UK premiere
Faith Healer, Lyric Hammersmith review - Brian Friel's masterpiece works its magic again
Director Rachel O'Riordan finds lighter moments in a tale of grief
Red Pitch, @sohoplace review - the ebullient tale of teenage footballers gets a rollicking transfer
Focused on young life in south London, this hit is as energetic and joyful as ever
WAKE, National Stadium, Dublin review - a rainbow river of dance, song, and so much else
THISISPOPBABY serves up a joyous tapestry of Ireland contemporary and traditional
Harry Clarke, Ambassadors Theatre review - an entertaining curio
Billy Crudup essays multiple characters as a fake Englishman abroad
Uncle Vanya, Orange Tree Theatre review - Chekhov served up choice
Trevor Nunn, age 84, makes a blinding return to form
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Garrick Theatre review - exhilarating, moving show makes West End return
Ryan Calais Cameron brilliantly uses storytelling, music and verse
The Lonely Londoners, Jermyn Street Theatre review - evocative portrait of the migrant experience
Roy Williams and Ebenezer Bamgboye skilfully bring Sam Selvon's novel to the stage
The Duchess of Malfi, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse review - the good end badly, but act best
Francesca Mills' protagonist is the vivacious, truthful heart of this fascinating production
Standing at the Sky's Edge, Gillian Lynne Theatre review - heartwarming Sheffield musical arrives in the West End
Olivier Award-winning musical offers a celebration of community and a stirring exploration of a brutalist building's history
Add comment