I actually really enjoyed this. I understand where the ehh comes in for DramaTeach: the plot can be construed as rather pedestrian but I think this is where Pinter's use of dramatic irony really makes it work.
It started off a little tight but as soon as Hiddleston spoke, the show really started to propel itself. It was fun watching all three actors work off of each other's tension.
I really admired the use of the turntable staging here, it felt appropriate. There was a moment in particular where Emma and Jeremy pass Robert and their daughter and Ashton delivers a line at the moment that had me holding my breath. Also, I guess I'm visually spoiled with Broadway these days but the sparse staging was an interesting choice, neither positive or negative for me. 90 minutes, two chairs (sometimes three), a table, and a whole lot of drama.
As was mentioned in a review in Variety from the West End run: "the third party is always present." Perhaps that is the truest thing of infidelity and its fragility. Anyway, I think I'll be seeing this again before it closes.
(edit - spelling, always)
Updated On: 8/16/19 at 10:08 AM