Speed-The-Plow
BEST OF THE FRINGE: From the moment the actors appear on the stage the audience knows it's hit upon a well-crafted, almost perfectly executed piece of theatre. This is Mamet at his best: excellently cast, crisply directed and beautifully played. You would be mad to miss it.
The Scotsman
PICK OF THE LIST: One expects a keen ear from David Mamet. But these actors take his diamonds and buff'em till they shine like angel's tears. The lines flow so smoothly, it's as if they've lived these characters. Tenderly directed, the piece turns on a knife-edge. It is masterfully played with an intensity that electrifies
The List
BEST OF THE FESTIVAL: David Mamet's powerful drama is brilliantly brought alive by the Birmingham Stage Company. Unmissable.
News of the World
Whatever questions are raised by the play, there is no question about the quality of this production. Sure direction and powerful performances, by turns excruciating, hilarious and shocking, from this finely balanced cast.
Venue
Power and manipulation are favourite themes of David Mamet, brilliantly illuminated here in John Harrison's mesmerising production for The Birmingham Stage Company.
The Salisbury Journal
The combination of a play by David Mamet and the renowned Birmingham Stage Company proved irresistible. Mamet has beautifully drawn each of the characters: this company brought them to life with both subtlety and panache
The Bath Chronicle
A sizzling production of a terrific, gripping play about the macho culture of Hollywood. I recommend the show to both Mamet enthusiasts and the as-yet unconverted.
The Birmingham Post
It's very easy to do Mamet badly: very hard to do him well. Characters cut into each other in the rhythm of real conversation and argument and heart-felt emotions of fear and fury need to be pitched just right. Congratulations then to The Birmingham Stage Company on a superb job well done
Edinburgh Evening News
In the hands of The Birmingham Stage Company, Mamet's exquisitely crafted plot and rich dialogue combine to create a terrific evening of theatre. Superb!
The Oxford Times