We round up the reviews for Jordan Waller’s comedy starring Tanya Franks, playing at the theatre until the 30th August.
Broadway World: *** “Tanya Franks is very amusing as fast-talking American Deborah; shouty, politically incorrect and over the top. Franks has great fun with the character and executes much of the production with sharp comic timing and occasional oddly placed whimsy when recalling her father’s influence and the importance of his legacy.”
Everything Theatre: *** “While the comedy is sharp and the pacing tight, moments like Theo’s words really dial into a richer vein of character and theme that could have been more fully explored. Nevertheless, it’s a clever farce with enough wit and punch to keep Bond fans and newcomers entertained.”
A Young(ish) Perspective: **** “A Role To Die for is an enjoyable laugh of a night out. The piece is not going to change your life, nor is it trying to. It doesn’t take itself seriously and in this sense it pokes fun at the seriousness revolving around the Bond franchise itself. The creators of this show seemed to have asked themselves “what will people enjoy watching” and have given us just that.”
All That Dazzles: **** “While slightly uneven in its reaches for depth of emotion, A Role To Die For is so genuinely funny, and so easy to become invested in, that the finer points of a mother-son-uncle dynamic can happily wait for another day… or for another play.”
West End Best Best Friend: **** “There is so much to enjoy in this play and despite the resolution of the control of the franchise in the real world since it was written, the exploration of the expansion of the Double O Universe (just like the Marvel Cinematic or DC Universes) and the potential of VR Bond experience means we know there is more to come from this iconic character and it remains “a role to die for”. We will have to wait to see who is cast as the next Bond to save the world but in the meantime, we can enjoy this cleverly written and highly enjoyable commentary on the casting process and modern sensibilities.”
WhatsOnStage: ** “The dull wood-panelled office set with pixelated portraits of the former incumbents of the role doesn’t inspire confidence. There are a few good lines (The Times’ headline announcing the scandal is “Dr No Consent”). There’s nothing more subjective than comedy, and most of the opening night audience seemed to be having a whale of a time, though I personally was rather more frustrated than shaken or stirred.”
The Reviews Hub: “Whether life at Eon Productions is quite as haphazard as this, or whether the company’s relationship with Amazon MGM Studios is quite so riddled with distrust, is anyone’s guess. Jordan Waller’s version of life as a James Bond producer may be wholly imagined, but its ideas about how to modernise a character who was once described on screen as a “sexist, misogynist dinosaur” are pertinent and, at times, hilarious.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “It’s clever criticism of the media world and pointing out its inherent fragility, with looming financier Lacroix, is also nuanced and interesting. The pacing of the play is fast, due to the 22-hour deadline, but the first act is more carefully paced and wound, in contrast to the second act, which feels the frantic last twenty minutes of a Bond film and allows as little chance for reflection. If you enjoy tongue-in-cheek satire, amazing actors, a joyful homage to the Bond franchise, and exciting moments, plays filled with dramatic twists, then this is the show for you!”
Theatre Weekly: ***** “Whilst this play is largely a comedy, it grapples with themes such as queer, cultural and racial identity, proving that there is a depth to this story that is perhaps initially overlooked. Quinn is a young, open-minded and progressive queer man, Malcolm is a closed-minded old-schooler, and Deborah sits in the middle – or maybe she just sits wherever the money is. A Role to Die For is a superb production upheld by the supremely talented and dynamic cast and crew. A special mention to Jordan Waller and Cory Shipp for their respective writing and direction, which were excellent – this is a stellar production.”
Spy in the Stalls: **** ““A Role to Die For” is sharp, cutting and satirical. Sometimes shocking, nearly always extremely funny. A wonderful mix – but guilty of being shaken and stirred, which upsets the balance slightly. We occasionally wince, but it does go down exceedingly well, and comes with a real kick. Cue the ‘dum di-di dum dum’ guitar riff.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/a-role-to-die-for