Lucy Kirkwood’s play is brought to life thanks to James Macdonald’s production, starring Deborah Findlay, Francesca Annis and Ron Cook. But what have critics said about it?
The Guardian: **** “It’s a slow-burn play but one that raises profound questions about whether having children sharpens, or diminishes, one’s sense of social responsibility.”
The Independent: **** “James Macdonald’s production is a miracle of tactfully shifting tones.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “James Macdonald directs with his customary meticulousness, fine-tuned to the moments when moods shift and silence hangs.”
Time Out: **** “James McDonald’s production is also a fine character piece.”
The Stage: **** “A couple of the dramatic beats feel forced and there are sizeable cracks in its narrative logic but Kirkwood’s play is never less than compelling.”
Culture Whisper: **** “As a near-future drama The Children cuts close the bone and probes pertinently into the present.”
The Upcoming: ***** “It is remarkable that an author of such relative youth has so fully captured the voice of an older group of people.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “James Macdonald’s production maintains a spiralling sense of palpable unease, and is superbly played by the trio of Francesca Annis, Deborah Findlay and Ron Cook with reservoirs of feeling and fear.”
Evening Standard: *** “James Macdonald’s production could certainly do with an injection of pace.”
Theatre Bubble: **** “Cook, Findley and Annis are nigh on faultless.”
British Theatre Guide: “this drama has its comic moments and does ask some important questions that might seem considerably more pertinent in our uncertain Brave New, Post-European future, governed by the Brexiteers along with Putin, Trump and their cronies.”
Female Arts: “James Macdonald’s elegant direction allows Kirkwood’s script to thrive and undulate like a piece of music.”
Broadway World: **** “It should be required viewing for all baby boomers staring into the current political abyss and looking for either consolation or advice.”
The Times: **** “Lucy Kirkwood’s dark new play is sci-fi that feels thrillingly alive with real people and real dilemmas.”
The Children will continue to play at the Royal Court Theatre until the 14th January 2017. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://royalcourttheatre.com/whats-on/the-children/.