What did you think of the show?
This is the page where we would like you to tell us about your theatre experiences. Please do say if you enjoyed a show, or even if you didn’t – your feedback is important to us. It’s simple, we only have this one page for you to add your comments to so whichever show you have visited please tell us your thoughts below.
PLEASE GIVE THE TITLE OF THE SHOW AT THE START OF YOUR COMMENT. All comments will remain for a while before having to be deleted to make room for more.
Go to the Leave A Reply box at foot of page, even if you are starting a new subject….write your comments, then below add your Name and Email Address, ignore Website, and then click on Post Comment. The latest comment will appear first. Give it a try, it’s easy once you begin.
Fredo's Theatre Group 
Marjorie Prime
This was a very emotional watch full of surprises such as when a person became a Prime.
It was such a pleasure in this small theatre to be so close to appreciate each of the individual performances and, in particular, the amazing Anne Reid. The play was so cleverly written and performed that the time just flew by.
We were looking forward to the reopening of the Menier as we have seen so many excellent performances in the past. Let us hope that finances will allow some improvements to facilities.
Thanks Fredo and Mike for this show and the great seats.
LikeLike
Marjorie Prime
I have spent a lot of time thinking about this play and have enjoyed reading the comments. I wonder how it would have impacted with a different cast. This cast were perfect. I keep seeing words like “luminous and shining “ to describe Anne Reid and there is an indescribable warmth about her. She has edge as well in this play.Her daughter Tess(NancyCarroll) was overwrought even in the domestic chores she performed and Richard Fleeshman’s Walter Prime was sufficiently taught to be a different species. But I loved the performance ofJaya Wardena as Tess’s husband John. I felt real sympathy for him and maybe because he was only the non prime left at the end of the play. The concept of “Primes” gives me the shudders. The set also was quite perfect. Thank you Fredo for such a challenging choice of theatre going.
LikeLike
Marjorie Prime
A clever and thought provoking play which we found incredibly moving and being in the certain ‘age bracket’, very identifiable. Anne Reid is such a natural , comfortable actor and was perfect in the role of Marjorie. All of the acting was brilliant – I really liked son-in-law ‘John’. It was our first visit to the Menier – such a comfortable, intimate little theatre, perfect for this lovely play. Not at all what we expected but so enjoyable. Thank you Fredo and Mike – another ‘golden nugget’!
LikeLike
Marjorie Prime
Another ‘unusual’ afternoon at The Menier with a play that took us to a future time when as, in this case, Anne Reid as Marjorie, a widow facing dementia retraces memories with the help of Walter a younger version of her husband who is ‘primed’ with information about her past life in the same way that people today use their smart phone to provide answers when their memory fails them.. I had expected it to be a comedy but in fact it was deep and in the end rather dark. Anne Reid was so well cast,and as usual ‘brilliant’. We enjoyed all the acting. Now that was a very different way to spend Sunday afternoon! Thanks Fredo!
LikeLike
Marjorie Prime
This was a fascinating and involving play. The hush in the audience from the outset was maintained throughout, and at certain points you could hear people taking a sharp intake of breath, either in surprise or recognition. I would think that most of the audience were in the 60+ age bracket and I wondered if this play were for, as opposed to about, older people. I suspect that younger people give no real thoughts to their own mortality, whereas the older one gets, the more such thoughts impinge. I have heard people with no religious/traditional beliefs about life after death, say that one is “alive” as long as one is remembered but when the last memory dies, then that’s it. I felt this was the main point of the play, but given a modern twist with the “prime” theme. It was wonderful to see this cast, especially the women, give such subtle and nuanced performances. Ann Reid is extraordinary in her ability to enable one to read exactly what is or might be in her thoughts while remaining utterly still. It was like viewing a film performance in close-up (oh the joy of being in row C in a small theatre. I found the themes haunting and kept myself awake last night pondering the complexities of this play. I was initially disappointed to learn that it was to be so short, but it’s exactly the right length.
The set was clever and I liked the lowering of the blinds to indicate change of act – rather like theatre curtains that the Menier doesn’t have. I would like to see this play again, and I don’t often say that.
LikeLike
Marjorie Prime
What a pleasure to be back at the Menier in the inestimable company of Anne Reid (and her excellent co-stars) for a well received play about a hot topic of our times: how we use artificial intelligence. The action takes place in the not too distant future when Primes, or avatars, of the deceased act as companions for those left behind. In the opening scenes, Walter Prime, a younger version of Marjorie’s dead husband encourages her to tell him about key events from their life together as her dementia takes hold. Later, Marjorie’s Prime engages with her grieving daughter who attempts to have those conversations that we all might wish we’d had with our mother while we had the chance. So far, so topical. However, in the third act, the tone is darker and more serious questions are raised about how we (mis-)communicate with each other and how we deal with life’s vicissitudes. The author doesn’t try to answer those questions but leaves us to ponder what could happen if we attempt to deal with them using technology and how that could affect our own humanity. A thought provoking afternoon.
LikeLike
Woolf Works
We have a lot of homework to do following this production to get the most out of the evening.
The choreography, the dance, the lighting, music and minimal scenery were outstanding with each of the three acts offering different perspectives. The excellent seats gave us a good view of the movements and the laser lighting. How does Marianela get herself into those positions!
There does not seem to be a stream of the 2017 production on the ROH website but there is on you tube which we look forward to seeing.
Thank you Fredo and Mike for getting us back to the ROH
LikeLike
Woolf Works was an experience I am unlikely to forget. As an avid admirer of Woolf’s writing, I was moved by the poetry and pathos with which ‘Mrs Dalloway’ was translated into dance. In vivid motion, it was possible to witness the multiple selves of Clarissa and Septimus at once. Set against the chiming of London’s clocks and the natural beauty of Bourton, captured so poignantly in the set design, I was transported into the heart of the narrative, where past and present are intertwined in an aesthetic consciousness. ‘Orlando’ was a revelation; the adaptation of this wonder for the stage was dramatic, charismatic and future-fuelled, yet so very of our current moment. Finally, ‘The Waves’ inspired swelling emotion, not least because Woolf’s final words were read with empathy and compassion. It also gave the audience time to reflect on Woolf’s enduring legacy and the rich vision she has contributed to our culture. The orchestra bound the entire performance in glorious sound, and I emerged onto London’s rainy streets, thanking Woolf, Woolf Works, The Royal Ballet and Fredo for making the evening possible.
LikeLike
Woolf Works
What a wonderful evening of exquisite dancing and exceptional music. Just mesmerizing. The Royal Ballet at its best. Thank you Fredo and Mike.
LikeLike
Woolf Works
An unforgettable show. Strong stage design and a fantastic score highlighting the themes of each of Woolfs novels. Thank you Fredo and Mike for suggesting such an interesting performance.
LikeLike
Penny
Woolf Works
A truly wonderful evening with such sensitive dancing – especially in the the third section. I could really feel the movement of the waves building up to the inevitable sad ending.
How lucky we are to have the opportunity to see such an excellent performance.
Thank you again Fredo and Mike for all your hard work.
LikeLike
Woolf Works
What an amazing evening at the ROH. I was on another planet with the beauty of the ballet, the choreography so perfect for each of the three performances, particularly the last where dancers became part of the Waves and an orchestra that was the beating heart of it all. Thank you Fredo and Mike and for the synopsis which paved the way for a more thorough understanding of these three ballets.
LikeLike
Woolf Works
We were blown away with this ballet. Second time around for us , and after listening to Fredo’s synopsis it really came alive as it was so much easier to follow. The first piece was beautiful but heartbreaking the music was almost mystical. The second and third pieces did not disappoint either especially the very last few minutes of the Wave where we were almost entranced into the sea ourselves with the movement of everyone on the stage and the background waves. Such an iconic performance for our first visit back to the ROH after the pandemic, it was like going home. Thank you Fredo and Mike for giving us this opportunity x
LikeLike
Wolf works….
3 performances in one ,the first with fragility of dance coupled with haunting music,especially from the lead violinist.The set was simple but stunning and the lighting superb..The second scene quite different but very good..vibrant music,some dance with hints of tango ?? and a laser show..The third part almost hypnotic and again with excellent music. A magical evening.
Thanks Fredo and Mike..
LikeLike
Wolfworks
LikeLike
Wool Works
Fabulous choreography and the orchestra were excellent as of course were the dancers. Excellent evening.
LikeLike
What’s not to like about a Greek Tragedy? In Medea the raw emotions of betrayal and revenge are laid bare with tragic results.
We the audience know that it won’t end well but are none the less fully engaged until the end.
Faultless acting by all – for those who were with us for this performance… special praise going to Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels / and for those who were not – you missed something special….
Thank you Fredo and Mike for a brilliant evening at the theatre.
LikeLike
Medea.
Just shows nothing has changed in two and a half thousand years – greed and revenge are both brutally self destructive. It’s hardly surprising the play itself has lasted so long. Such a powerful story and so well constructed. Superb performances by all and cleverly presented. Couldn’t fault it. Couldn’t get closer to the actors, could see the whites of their eyes! Did see Helen McCory playing Medea but this tops the bill? Thank you Fredo and Mike and driver for a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
LikeLike
Medea
Agree with previous comments,
I too was apprehensive, but immediately transfixed by this performance. As always, the evening was enhanced by Fredo’s pre theatre brief. A most enjoyable evening and my bright young friend loved it all. Thank you Mike and Fredo.
LikeLike
Medea
Like most of the other contributors I had never seen a Greek Tragedy before. One of the great advantages of belonging to a group such as ours is that you are introduced to events and genres that you would otherwise not contemplate. Sophie Okonedo and Ben Daniels are both highly accomplished actors, whom I have seen many times previously. But never in anything like this.
From the moment the production started, with Ben Daniels circulating the perimeter of the stage in slow motion, which in itself excuded a strange menace, to the horrifying conclusion of Medea murdering the children in revenge for being rejected and humiliated by her husband, a sinister tension was maintained for the entire 90 minutes of the performance. I found both of the actors’ portrayals totally mesmerising.
It must be very satisfying, once in a while, for actors to be given the opportunity to play hugely dramatic roles that demand such enormous depths of emotion and despair. I could imagine that they look out at the audiences and say to themselves, “you think you’ve seen me act? Well take a look at this!”
Fredo’s prior explanation of the “Greek Tragedy” format was very informative, and helped everything fall into place. I wonder if other less well informed members of the audience initially thought that the actors were being heckled!
Thanks once again Fredo and Mike for furthering my theatrical education. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.
LikeLike
Medea what can I say never seen a Greek tragedy before but I was pleasantly surprised !!!!!
Loved the story telling and the way it was portrayed what talented actors.
Thank you Fredo for giving me this opportunity to widen my horizons
LikeLike
Medea
Having never seen a Greek tragedy performed had misgivings of it being a bit dour .How wrong can one be . A fantastic and riveting production with two main characters giving outstanding performances .The last ten minutes brought back memories of watching from behind the sofa. To add to the previous comment ,Ben Daniels slowly almost robotically walking around the stage then changing into his roles in an instant was a masterclass in concentration
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see this play which we definitely would have given a miss .Thanks to the driver for quick navigation in both directions
LikeLike
Medea
Never having seen a Greek tragedy we were not sure what to expect. Medea did not disappoint. It was gripping and powerful, cleverly produced and completely absorbing. Medea was a woman truly scorned and as her story unfolded you were right there with her, watching her pain and anger laid bare, never knowing which decision she was going to make to wreak her revenge, until the very end. Remember to breathe during the last ten minutes! A brilliant performance by all actors especially Sophie Okonedo (Medea) and Ben Daniels (playing Jason, Creon, Aageus). Thank you Fredo for your encouragement to see this production.
LikeLike
John R writes –
Best of Enemies
I felt that I had a moderate grasp of “recent” American politics but this play did make me realise how much of it I had forgotten, and various events were skimmed over so quickly that I wondered if they had even been touched on. The political upheavals in Europe as well as in America added to the feeling of a world in uproar. I had failed to take on board Mike’s earlier comment on the casting of David Harewood as Buckley and was therefore bewildered as to why this black man should hold so many anti-black views. I had thought that Buckley was white but this casting made me wonder if I had been wrong! What was the author’s point in doing this? I agree with Mike and many others that historic figures should be physically presented as they actually were. Having said that, all the performances were crackling with energy, and as is often the case, one wondered how the two leads, especially, could do that 8 times a week. I much enjoyed the performances of the actors who played Mayor Daly and James Baldwin.
LikeLike
Best of Enemies
In his work for theatre and tv, James Graham can be relied upon to take an event from the recent past and re-present it to us in a new and informative way. I didn’t know a great deal about the Buckley/Vidal debates and enjoyed learning about how this new format influenced, and possibly trivialised, future political discourse (yes, I mean you Piers Morgan). The production was fast paced and the clever, multi level set design (despite the awkwardly placed projection light) kept us involved in the action. I’d have welcomed more information on the background to the Chicago riots and the shooting of Andy Warhol in order to appreciate fully the febrile atmosphere in which the debates took place. And, treading carefully into the woke arena, I was perplexed at the casting of a black actor as the notorious racist Buckley (who advocated segregation in the debate at Cambridge with James Baldwin). David Harewood is a fine actor but wasn’t the point about Buckley and Vidal that they were both White Anglo Saxon Protestants arguing from different ends of the political spectrum? Discuss.
LikeLike
Best of Enemies
One thought struck me after watching and thoroughly enjoying this production. Bearing in mind the towering intellects of Vidal and Buckley did they not suspect that they might be being set up by the cynical producers of ABC as performers in a ratings war? ABC correctly assumed, in view of the mutual loathing that existed between the two, that neither character’s innate sense of superiority would permit their view to be questioned by the other. This resulted in bitter exchanges of personal insults, almost culminating in physical violence. A ratings triumph for ABC, but a disaster for coherent political argument. After the first “debate” it was Buckley’s wife who expressed no surprise at the unseemly ranting as her husband and Vidal were “so alike”.
I was surprised that more was not made of Buckley’s racist views. He had previously written in his own publication, calling for disenfranchisement of Black voters in areas of the South where they dominated numerically, as the White community was the more advanced race. Makes Trump sound fairly liberal!
Overall I suppose Vidal probably edged the debates, posing as a champion of the less fortunate, even though a lot of this would have been from one of his villas in Italy! His “caring persona” took a dent some years later when he was asked about the arrest of Roman Polanski for the rape of a 13 year old girl. He stated that I really don’t give a **** . Why should I sit and weep every time a young hooker feels as though she’s been taken advantage of?
Two thoroughly odious, but admittedly brilliant men, superbly portrayed by David Harewood and Zachary Quinto. Excellent supporting cast. I particularly enjoyed John Hodgkinson in his dual role as anchorman at ABC, and as Mayor Daly. The background of the now notorious policing of the convention in Chicago was vividly represented.
Again thanks Fredo and Mike for an interesting , enjoyable, and, for me, an educational evening.
Also I must just say that I entirely agree with Mike’s views about gender neutral awards.
LikeLike
Best of Enemies
This play – if that’s the right term – seemed uneven. It brought to mind the game of darts (about which I have scant knowledge and experience) – some numbers were hit but perhaps not the bullseye. Indeed, what (or where) exactly was the bullseye?
As a semi-documentary of a particularly fraught period in U.S. history, it dredged up some patchy memories (yes, I really am that old) and told us a few things we never knew; but did it offer much more than that, fifty years on? Let’s hope it’s a warning against the U.K.’s inclination to follow America’s rancorous and entrenched socio-political divide.
It was slick, noisy, shouty, in places witty, unavoidably (maybe) comprising the rather tired formula of myriad scrappy little scenes – and that projection light came straight at my right eye. Among the hard-working cast, there was an uneasy mix of “impersonation” of “real” people (all, I guess, now safely dead) and effective character-acting. For all that Vidal was shown as “ahead of his time”, I didn’t feel that we got very far into the characters of either of the two protagonists – but I guess that’s television for you…..
Garth
LikeLike
Best of Enemies
Thank you Fredo and Mike for sourcing the thoughdown). I came away quite shattered. It’s something to be thought about afterwards, and I’m now thinking what it gave me. Maybe a chance to begin to listen to the whole subject for politics, and to try to understand the other point of view. Therefore to leave behind all this warring talk and find a way to come together ? Could so much more be achieved ? But then we’re only human. I would like things to calm down ( like I wanted in the play).
LikeLike
Just a brilliantly funny farce with excellent actors. Great to see older actors getting their parts. The miming was especially clever and hilarious, how was that written down for them to learn it all? Thanks Fredo and Mike.
LikeLike
Apart from the extraordinary comics timing of the on stage antics – especially in Act II – the dialogue is so funny. The cast was excellent – how do they keep up that energy performance after performance? A great evening: thank you Fredo and Mike
LikeLike
Noises Off
Oooh, we did have fun! Noises Off was daft and delightful and fulfilled all the requirements of a good farce. Just the tonic I needed after suffering with the dreaded lurg for the last month. Thank you Fredo for the fabulous seats.
LikeLike
Noises Off
Another fun filled evening following The Unfriend a week ago .A real farce with perfect timing ,door slamming and trouser dropping .How Joseph Millson kept going throughout the show was a triumph of fitness .The entire cast worked extremely hard and clearly had fun themselves which made it a joy to watch
Thank you Fredo and Mike for another super evening
LikeLike
Noises Off
I have heard it said that this play is a farce for those who don’t like farce. I have my hand up. Someone I know went to a preview and said that this production wasn’t quite up to the mark. Clearly they’ve done work. The speed and timing of entrances and exits, not to mention details of characterisation, was spot-on. Felicity Kendall very funny as Dottie, and Tracy Ann Oberman as cool as possible under the circumstances. Perhaps funniest was Joseph Millson, especially when going up stairs with his legs tied up, or his superbly executed fall downstairs and the slipping on the sardine. I did find it hard to hear the juve lead lass, who seemed to screech too much. It was super to have two funny evenings so close together – The Unfriend and now this.
LikeLike