We round up the reviews for Nick Payne’s latest play which runs at the theatre until the 29th November.
The Guardian: “This is unquestionably dramatic subject matter with resonances to so many news stories on disappeared children, but it just does not cut deeply enough.”
The Telegraph: “Walker’s star turn has ensured a sell-out run, but it’s not enough to save Nick Payne’s fragmented drama.”
WhatsOnStage: “Still, it’s never less than watchable and when it’s good, it’s very, very good, although seldom does it seem to have the complete measure of its complex, emotionally-charged subject matter.”
London Theatre.co.uk: “Walker is supported by a strong ensemble: Baldwin’s Nancy is a gentle voice of reason; Hyland’s Margaret matures before our eyes; and Higgins’s David balances his own quiet anguish with increasing exasperation at Miriam’s unpredictability. Martin Marquez as Miriam’s first husband Karl, and Harry Kershaw as Margaret’s new boyfriend Benjamin, are vessels for the awkward, sometimes ill-fitting comedy. And there’s decent multirolling from Isabel Adomakoh Young, Lucy Thackeray and Jaz Singh Deol.”
Time Out: “It is a remarkable performance from Walker, affecting, upsetting and often savagely hilarious as Miriam allows herself to be wholly consumed by her need to find Oscar. She is increasingly detached from worldly needs in favour of serving as her vanished son’s high priestess on earth, ready to punish… well, the unbelievers, who would give up on him. “
Theatre & Tonic: “There is no denying The Unbelievers is an okay watch, with a wonderfully talented cast and a decent premise. More emotion, more depth and more momentum would undoubtedly make this less of a frustrating watch. I just know this could be a fantastic watch tipping over into the four star, at least, category with a few tweaks.”
All That Dazzles: “Payne has put onto paper, and Elliott onto the stage, the lack of reason and the fracturing of time itself that come with tragedy, and though I wasn’t able to find a real connection to The Unbelievers, I have no doubt that it’s command of these earth-shattering themes will resonate with many.”
Everything Theatre: “There are moments of powerful and raw emotion from an excellent cast. But, despite an attempt to mask it with the jumping timeline, the story doesn’t really go anywhere. Having said that, the slightly limp storytelling and characterisation are masked by some truly great performances, which stir up the emotions and serve up a powerful night at the theatre.”
The Stage: “Nicola Walker is fiercely compelling in Nick Payne’s elusive new drama.”
The i Paper: “Payne allows shards of dark humour to leaven the gloom, often from Walker’s incredulous Miriam and increasingly from Hyland’s straight-talking Margaret, who like her more contemplative sister, fears that she is starting to lose a mother as well as brother.”
To book tickets visit: https://royalcourttheatre.com/events/the-unbelievers/