We round up the reviews for the London run of Virginia Gay’s adaptation and production based on Edmond Rostand’s of Cyrano de Bergerac.
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “Gay offers a far happier conclusion than Rostand — one that brings it into the 21st century and allows Roxanne greater agency, though arguably she forgives a little too easily even in this version. But the message here is important: of opening your heart to love and listening to your true desires. It may sound sentimental, but blame it on the time of year.”
Liamodell.com: **** “It’s daring from the outset, what with the cast handing us streamers to use at some point in the play and setting up high expectations of some grand finale.”
Theatre & Tonic: *** 1/2 “Cyrano ends with just Cyrano and Rozanne alone with each other, lying on their backs amongst the chaos. Gorgeous words and exchanges glitter and sparkle in the air between them as this modern, fresh and ambitious production of Cyrano comes to an end.”
All That Dazzles: **** “Passionately, unapologetically individual and bringing a real sense of growth and change to such a well-known story, Cyrano wears its heart, mind, and soul upon its sleeve, and it’s difficult not to find yourself enchanted by it.”
The Spy in the Stalls: *** “Overall, an exciting adaptation of a classic text that leaves the audience wanting more. Unfortunately I fear what they may want more of is substance.”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2 “Where the play really comes alive is in the classic scenes in which Cyrano helps Yan woo Roxanne. Imaginatively directed by Clare Watson, the would-be wooers Yan and Cyrano find an appealing rhythm as one speaks the words for the other. Roxanne thrills to Cyrano’s poetry, and there is a powerfully erotic scene in which she and Yan come together. Pleasingly, however, Roxanne expresses disappointment the next day. Yes, she tells Cyrano, Yan was ‘Olympic’, but the magic was missing. When the couple meet next, Yan is rendered virtually tongue-tied.”
Rev Stan’s Theatre Blog: ***** “Virginia Gay’s Cyrano is witty and fun with a party spirit that feels wholly appropriate for the festive season.”
West End Best Friend: **** “Cyrano shows once again the essential adaptability and resilience of this text (despite Roxanne’s suggestion that “there’s no fixing this creaky old plot”) and offers an enjoyable take on a familiar story, making an intelligent and thought-provoking alternative to more lightweight entertainment at this time of year.”
Broadway World: **** “In setting this within a theatre, with minor players literally sidelined, and a departure from the storyline to seek an alternative, happier, ending, this Cyrano is both heartwarming and a challenge to heteronormacy. It may have a ripple or two that could be ironed out, but it finds a way to pull you into its vibrant and vivacious energy.”
British Theatre Guide: “The light, well-performed, ninety-minute comedy has likeable, one-dimensional characters and a simple, entertaining storyline that allows Park Theatre on its web site to describe it as “a big-hearted, irreverent rom-com, perfect for a feel-good Christmas treat.””
Theatre Weekly: **** “Cyrano is an incredibly impressive attempt to wrangle with the inherent fabrications at the heart of romance. It’s fun, intelligent and brilliantly acted: a bold and inviting welcome to the world of the play that achieves a level of freshness that few adaptations are capable of.”
Cyrano continues to play at the Park Theatre until the 11th January. You can catch up with our interview with Joseph Evans here.