Directed by Lyndsey Turner, Brian Friel’s play about the possibility of genius but the uncertainty of failure opened at the Donmar Warehouse last night. Here is what critics have been saying…

The Guardian: ***** Michael Billington wrote: “Turner’s immaculate production gives each monologue a distinct setting and character linked, in Es Devlin’s design, by a prefatory curtain of rain.”

The Independent: *** Alice Saville said: “this production isn’t short on style. But it’s missing Hardy’s magnetic, transcendental hold over a scattered mass of desperate people – when he’s offstage, we don’t feel his presence.”

WhatsOnStage: ****Matt Trueman found that: “Lyndsey Turner’s production, beautifully acted, lets those characters emerge with all their frailties and faultlines on show: three gorgeous character portraits.”

London Theatre.co.uk: ***** Mark Shenton commented: “Director Lyndsey Turner and her designer Es Devlin give it a beautifully sparse production, with a striking effect of falling rain surrounding the stage between each scene.”

The Arts Desk: “This revival is verbally hypnotic, emotionally intense and compellingly ambiguous.”

The Daily Mail: *** Quentin Letts thought that: “From time to time you hear of the police reprimanding an elderly motorist for proceeding too slowly on the public highway.They should do something similar to Lyndsey Turner for directing this Brian Friel classic at such a treacly pace.”

Time Out: **** Bella Todd wrote: “The words themselves teem with dramatic action in Turner’s suppley spoken production. Meanwhile designer Es Devlin draws attention to the dramatic form by bordering the stage with a litter of intersecting metal poles.”

British Theatre Guide: “Director Lyndsey Turner draws immaculate performances in different styles from all three of her actors.”

Evening Standard: **** Henry Hitchings commented: “Friel’s plays are eloquently lyrical rather than packed with action, and Faith Healer is no exception — we’re told about events, not shown them.”

Faith Healer plays at the Donmar Warehouse until the 20th August. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/donmar-warehouse/at-the-donmar/2016/faith-healer.