The Critic at The Calder Bookshop and Theatre

The Critic - a very very dark black comedy by John Hill

Hugh is a renowned theatre critic who seems to have everything a telegenic 50-something could possibly want. Success. Adoring fans. Money. Fame. Even a basic understanding of Twitter.

Privately it’s another story. He gets regular death threats, has no real friends, and his estranged son despises him even more than his ex-wife, who he’s still hopelessly in love with.

But none of this matters today. Not only has he been approached about running as an MP in a safe seat - a long-cherished ambition - a lady friend is coming over for a special play date. But instead of his expected guest he opens the door to Alex, who forces her way into his penthouse at gunpoint.