We round up the reviews for this revival of Duncan Macmillan’s play, starring Denise Gough.
The Guardian: **** “Emma’s outcome is defined by us, it seems, the play a dramatic Rorschach test, of sorts. To me, Macmillan seems to be saying that not only is there no escape for an addict from the people, places and things that cause their addiction, but that their only refuge takes them back to the original source of their pain. How bleak – but also brilliantly done.”
The Independent: ***** “Herrin’s production is loud, intense, and full of perfectly measured performances: Sinead Cusack is sharp in three different roles, Danny Kirrane gently moving as an addict-turned-nurse, and Malachi Kirby excellent as the wise comrade who has done recovery and relapse a fair few times before.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ***** “what remains clear is that Gough’s titanic performance is still the beating heart of this play. A seven-year break from the part has dulled none of her wonderfully sharp edges.”
Time Out.com: **** “At some point ‘People, Places and Things’ needs to be set free from this production. A new director might freshen up the first half. Gough is too good to not turn herself towards something new. But there’s no rush. Minor quibbles aside, after a seven year break – going cold turkey if you will – this is the best sort of relapse.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Jeremy Herrin’s direction matches the impossibly high standard set by Macmillan’s writing, with clever attention to detail and unique touches, bringing the words and story to life with no shortage of creativity, helped with a gorgeous use of movement from Polly Bennett, particularly coming to life in Emma’s fantasy and nightmare sequences.”
The Stage: ****** “Denise Gough blazes in the return of Duncan Macmillan’s electrifying drama of addiction and identity”
West End Best Friend: ***** “It is easy to see why this production won ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Sound’ in the 2016 Oliviers (with nominations for ‘Best New Play’ and ‘Best Lighting Design’) and it makes a welcome return to the West End where it feels stronger and more relevant than ever. The solution to addiction is to avoid the ‘People, Places and Things’ that triggered the desperate search for escape but here is a play that through its cast, its setting and its contents is itself addictive and like Denise Gough, if you enjoyed it in 2015, you must surely be addicted to see it again and if you missed it then, you must catch it now at the lovely Trafalgar Theatre.”
The Upcoming: ***** “A terrifyingly realistic portrayal of substance misuse, People, Places and Things humanises those most downtrodden in society. At a time when individuals suffering from mental illness are being demonised by those in the highest echelons of power, used as scapegoats and pawns in the Conservative government’s increasingly merciless culture war, the playis a heartfelt plea for compassion.”
Reviewsgate.co.uk: ***** “Gough won an Olivier for her performance and time has only enriched it. But People, Places and Things for all that is not a one woman show. The cast back her to the hilt. This is as good as it gets.”
The Reviews Hub: ***** “a searing, frequently funny, deeply empathetic exploration of addiction treatment. People, Places & Things may be approaching its tenth anniversary, but it feels as fresh and urgent as a brand-new work.”
People, Places and Things continues to play at the Trafalgar Theatre until the 10th August.