We take a look at what is being said about Billy Porter’s production of Harrison David Rivers’s play.
Broadway World: *** “This Bitter Earth certainly has a lot to say, but does it have too much? This is a play that’s stylish and intellectually stimulating, but one whose themes and ideas tend to overwhelm its scale and run-time. Regardless, there’s no denying that this is an excellent production of a bold and timely play.”
The Stage: **** “Billy Porter’s revival of an enduringly pertinent drama is stylish and dynamic.”
London Theatre.co.uk: *** ” At times, you wish for a bit of quiet – of respite amidst the psychic storm. Less might in this instance be more, but no matter: as instructed, you emerge counting your blessings, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “This Bitter Earth is sincere, socially aware, and emotionally thoughtful. However, its lack of narrative clarity and visual energy prevents it from reaching its full potential. While there are moments of genuine impact, they are scattered across a production that too often feels muted and uneven.”
The Reviews Hub: *** “This Bitter Earth was written in the run-up to Trump’s first term and remains as relevant now as it was then. The idea feels fresh, even if the love affair, cheers it on as one does, feels a little unreal.”
The Independent: ** “Omari Douglas stars in an old-fashioned two-hander about a relationship as it builds then disintegrates.”
City AM: **** “Still, This Bitter Earth makes plenty of compelling arguments. It’s a meeting of some incredible minds. Fiery, audacious and vital.”
The Standard: **** “Otherwise, this is a fresh and illuminating take on recent social and political history that’s already being rewritten elsewhere.”
All That Dazzles: **** “This Bitter Earth tackles serious issues in a creative and gripping way. The fact that these issues are still sadly timely, despite being set a decade in the past, only adds to the poignancy of the piece and the ultimate power it possesses.”
West End Wilma: **** “This Bitter Earth is a powerful reminder that while the personal is always political, it’s also deeply human and that sometimes, simply stepping out your front door can be an act of defiance, just like choosing to love despite everything. In a world that often tries to hold us back, living authentically becomes its own form of resistance.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “As is tackled throughout the show and encapsulated in its final words, wonderfully written by Rivers and beautifully delivered by Douglas, it is with our minds, with the words we write, with the people we love that we determine stories worth telling and hope to find this earth may not be so bitter after all.”
The Upcoming: *** “This Bitter Earth is successful in creating investment in the highs and lows of a complex, lived-in relationship, powered by strong performances. Where it ultimately falters is in its final swerve toward didacticism, trading in the specificity of two human beings in favour of broad statements on the persistence of love in the face of tragedy. Suddenly, what once felt like flesh and blood scans as a device to elicit an altogether tidier sense of uplift.”
This Bitter Earth continues to play at the Soho Theatre until the 16th July.