Great Britain

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 7:32pm

Anybody seen this yet?

[ggersten]

Posted: 7/2/14 at 11:24pm

I saw it. I did not like it. And that's even accounting for not getting much of the local jokes. The play is not subtle - it is broad - its humor is obvious - and mean - none of the characters are likeable and there are too many of them. Motivations are awkward. David Mamet might blush at the profanity uttered on the stage. It's much too long. I found it a giant mess. But, others seem to have liked it (see these reviews over at whatsonstage.com - ) - and think it is has a serious point to make. Except, that the same point was made by Paddy Chayefsky in Network almost 40 years ago.


Some Great Britain reviews Updated On: 7/3/14 at 11:24 PM

[Scripps2]

Posted: 7/3/14 at 4:13pm

This reads like one of the National's worthy-but-effortful plays that don't really achieve what they set to do and are quickly forgotten (cf Playing With Fire, Stuff Happens, Love the Sinner).

[KermitTheFrog]

Posted: 7/3/14 at 7:32pm

Well I really liked it when I saw it on press night. Very funny and clever, although the time frame is a little off and unclear. I've included more thoughts on the blog if anyone is interested.
The Greatest of All Art Forms: Weekly Roundup (Skylight, Great Britain, Adler & Gibb)

[Mark_E]

Posted: 7/20/14 at 9:32am

Thoroughly enjoyed this yesterday! Definitely one to see.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 7/20/14 at 11:51am

Going August 2nd definitely one to see at the National, since Billie Piper and Oliver Chris aren't transferring to the Haymarket.

Bit of a bummer that the National hasn't done a programme for this one, what next going to ban ice creams at the interval, that decision is beyond mad.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 7/20/14 at 3:50pm

I got told the reason was it was too late to publish one since they had to wait for the outcome of the trial. There will be one at the haymarket,

Piper carries this, will be interesting to see who replaces her.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 7/20/14 at 4:28pm

Maybe, but I don't buy that, if they can compile a newspaper and having it in circulation throughout London in 24 hours, then they can compile a bloody programme. A programme can be compiled whilst the trial is ongoing, even have different articles ready depending on the outcome of the trial. Printing can be done in less than 24 hours to get a batch done, an epic own goal by the National Theatre.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 7/30/14 at 4:10pm

I saw this last week and loved it! If I hadn't just lived in London, a lot of it would've gone right over my head though. I'm also curious to see if this can make it without Piper.

[lotiloti]

Posted: 8/2/14 at 7:21am

I thought it was dreadful. Should have called it, 'Drop the Dead Donkey - Live' A poor imitation.