Neil LaBute’s new play arrives at the Hampstead Theatre – but do critics love it or loathe it? 

The Guardian: *** Michael Billington said: “you feel LaBute is edging away from his usual bilious comic antagonism and more in the direction of TV’s Friends.”

WhatsOnStage.com: *** Daisy Bowie-Sell commented: “a funny, coherent play about getting older, love, friendships and people who just don’t know what to do with their lives.”

The Telegraph: ****Dominic Cavendish wrote: “Attenborough is the right man to bring the companion-piece to the stage.”

Theatre Cat.com: *** “All in all, though, it isn’t a patch on the first play.”

British Theatre Guide: Philip Fisher thought: “This is a high quality piece of writing that gets the beneath the skins of ordinary folk, making those in the auditorium wince at behaviour that they will instantly recognise from interactions with family and friends in similar situations.”

Mature Times: Robert Tanitch thought that: “Burke’s very watchable and funny performance is a very good reason for seeing the play.”

Time Out:** Tom Wicker wasn’t impressed saying: “the flashes of acerbic wit in LaBute’s writing can’t disguise the obviousness of the plotting.”

There Ought to be Clowns: “As in cinemas so in theatres, a sequel best avoided.”

Reasons to be Happy runs at the Hampstead Theatre until the 23rd April. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2016/reasons-to-be-happy/