We round up the reviews of this revival of August Strindberg’s play, running until the 7th March.
Broadway World: **** “The Orange Tree Theatre is a perfect setting for this production, with the sense of suffocating claustrophobia almost tangible. The oppresiveness ripples into the audience as an atmosphere only can at this intimate venue. Ashley Martin-Davis’s set of dark tables, various chairs and even a piano almost tips into the audience, enhancing the smothering atmosphere. Peter Mumford’s moody lighting adds to the sense of foreboding.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “This is an extremely satisfying production of a difficult play, enhanced by detailed, bravura performances, and led by a director/adapter who has created something quite remarkable.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “It’s a grim vision of human relationships and it is to Eyre’s immense credit as a director and adaptor that it is so superbly conveyed. Watching Dance of Death has an immense sense of horrified oppression. It’s brilliant but bleakly so.”
Theatre Weekly: **** ” If only more people could experience the sheer joy of seeing these performances of Dance of Death in this setting. You have to be a member to secure a ticket, but once again the Orange Tree has a must‑see show, which runs to 7th March and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.”
The Reviews Hub: *** 1/2 “Dance of Death is a dark play, but not quite dark enough in this entertaining if ultimately toothless version. Bickering couples can be scary, but facing the ultimate isolation and hopelessness of human existence, the true abandonment of the soul, is what this play really challenges you to accept.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Dance of Death beautifully exemplifies what makes Orange Tree Theatre such an exciting space to visit. The intimate and intrusive nature of this production allows for a no-holds-barred approach that you almost want to look away from, were it not so consistently captivating. Brilliant writing, direction and acting make for a play I couldn’t fault even if I tried. When it comes to the dance of death, this play finishes at the top of the leaderboard, ensuring there should be more life for this thrilling waltz long after the music stops.”
To book tickets visit: https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/dance-of-death/