Review Round Up: Cyrano De Bergerac, Swan Theatre (Royal Shakespeare Company)

 Photograph: Marc Brenner

The Guardian: **** “The staging is nifty, too. Under the direction of Evans, the overt theatricality of the play-within-the-play in the opening scene, at the Paris theatre where Cyrano makes an enemy of Comte de Guiche (Scott Handy), bleeds into the rest of the production. So Cyrano later stamps his foot to mark a sudden change in lighting and his band of musicians bring knowing winks.”

WhatsOnStage: ***** “In fact, everything in this production is a pleasure, from the colours of Grace Smart’s costumes and set to the way that light seeps from the piece as the mood darkens and the soldiers go to war. Yet the wit and the humanity stay in place, and every member of the ensemble – from Greer Dale-Foulkes’ witty Abigail to Philip Cumbus’s wise Le Bret and Scott Handy’s Le Guiche – all play their part in making this a memorable evening. It’s a triumph.”

All That Dazzles: ***** “Much of this is thanks to Adrian Lester’s commanding and thunderously charismatic performance as Cyrano himself. From his very first moments, he is absolutely magnetic on stage, with impeccable timing to deliver the finest comedic moments through Shakespearean insults and jibes.”

The Telegraph: **** “Lester holds court as a wordsmith, sword fights like a matinee idol and even cartwheels in this must-see production.”

Theatre & Tonic: ***** “Overall, this is a gorgeous piece that needs no gimmicks or elaborate set – just a beautiful book, phenomenally delivered by the most joyous cast an audience could lay eyes. Go, see it, do not miss it; you will walk away with a new perspective on life – the highest compliment one can bestow on a piece of theatre.”

The Stage: ***** “Adrian Lester’s passionate performance empowers a bold adaptation of Rostand’s romantic tragedy.”

Beyond the Curtain: ***** “As you exit the theatre you’re completely swept up by the emotional connection and the journey of the play. The deep connection and longing that we all desire is superbly captured by Evans, Stevenson and the company. The RSC’s crowning glory in a strong year. Truly unmissable.”

British Theatre Guide: “The production never flags, and nor does Lester’s Cyrano—seething, punctilious, indomitable, choleric, witty and heroic—who, thinking himself too ugly to win fair lady, writes heartfelt love letters to his beloved Roxane pretending they come from the dullard farm-boy Christian.”

West End Best Friend: ***** “Visually, the production is stunning. The set is full of hidden corners and clever mechanisms that allow smooth transitions from the winding streets of Paris to the brutality of the battlefield. Each location feels alive and full of atmosphere, enhanced by thoughtful lighting and immersive sound design. The attention to detail is impressive, and every element works to serve the story rather than overshadow it.”