Tuesday 5 May 2009

Oleanna - Press reviews....

Well it seems so far that Oleanna is getting some grade A reviews. In my humble opinion both the cast worked their socks off and drew you in to the performance, despite the fact you can't really sympathise with either of them. Reading the dialogue in the script feels difficult as, written, it is all pauses and dots and disjointed unfinished thoughts and the characters constantly interrupt each other, or get interrupted by the phone, but watching it is a completely different matter. When it is performed you just want to bang you hands on the desk and just say 'For good's sake let them finish....'.

The set is stark and the changes between the 'mood' lighting inbetween scenes and the sudden brilliant lights during the action leaves you feeling as on edge as the dialogue and the subject matter. If you are with your other half, beware, you might not end up leaving on speaking terms, especially if you are the one that said 'You bl**dy manipulative women, you’re all the same' but if you want a night of quality drama that will leave you thinking then see it.....now!

Here's what the press have ot say....

Conclusively, this is an evening that’s pretty much faultless. Yes, it’s controversial, harrowing, and disturbing and it’s meant to be. But it’s also gripping, fast-paced and thought-provoking and would appeal to anyone in search of a good night out.


Quite simply, Khan’s Oleanna is the best play currently playing in repertory in the region, and you must see it before the end of its run.WHAT'S ON STAGE. Read more here...


a production that still shows itself capable of promoting irritation and debate in an audience seventeen years after its first production.BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE. Read more here...


Oleanna only lasts an hour and a half and keeps true to the maxim - always leave your audience wanting more. That means there's still plenty of time to argue about it on the way home! MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS. Read more here...


Broadway and West End actor Colin Stinton is awesome as John, whose desire to impress Carol and his willingness to let her into his life becomes more desperate as the play develops.

Kosha Engler is equally excellent as the eager-to-learn student, whose views of her teacher change as she tries to convince him to up her grade, leading to the ultimate conflict.
THE BOLTON NEWS. Read more here...
This is a play worth seeing. There are moments of beautifully executed performances and direction. THE PUBLIC REVIEWS. Read more here...
Khan includes that necessary factor in any self-respecting English Mamet production: Colin Stinton, the American actor thoroughly experienced in the writer’s style. And Kosha Engler finds both Carol’s vulnerability and later protective shield of certainty. REVIEWSGATE. Read more here...

1 comment:

  1. The performances were outstanding. A thought provoking play with words as weapons. The Octagin continues to challenge. Congratulations

    ReplyDelete