What’s it all about?
Love, desire, sex, deceit, suffering and, perhaps surprisingly, some honesty play a part in Patrick Marber’s Olivier Award-winning play, which is back in London after more than 15 years.
The drama, which premiered at the National Theatre in 1997, charts the story of four individuals and their relationships with one another against the backdrop of London. They crave each other. They love each other. They reject each other. They swap each other. With so much immorality, infidelity and brutality, will any of them ever emerge happy from this precarious game of relationship roulette?
Who’s in it?
Olivier Award winner Nancy Carroll gives a flawless performance as photographer Anna. A heart-wrenching vulnerability is visible in her eyes as she faces the consequences of her infidelity but at the same time her punchy delivery of some of Marber’s wittiest lines provides the production’s funniest moments.
Taking to the Donmar Warehouse stage following recent appearances in Great Britain and King Charles III, Oliver Chris strikes a balance in the erratic behaviour of obituary writer and aspiring novelist Dan, tenderness turning to desperation as he longs for his love to be requited, but all too aware of his ability to annihilate the happiness of others.
The default position of Rufus Sewell’s Larry is awkward and jittery with a tinge of arrogance, until emotions take over and everything that is pent-up inside him is released in startling outbursts of rage.
Last seen on the London stage in the Royal Court’s Adler And Gibb, Rachel Redford is a spritely and gutsy Alice, the youngest and arguably most angst-ridden of the quartet, who hides her torment and weakness behind a plucky exterior.
What should I look out for?
Look out for some clever structuring, which sees two different scenarios, with two different sets of characters, being played out simultaneously, mirroring how the characters encroach on each other’s lives.
In a nutshell?
Olivier Award winner Nancy Carroll shines in David Leveaux’s highly anticipated revival of Patrick Marber’s groundbreaking 1997 play about sex, lust and betrayal.
What’s being said on Twitter?
@jamestrentderby#dayseat Arrived @Donmar @9:30am yesterday. First there, easily got a standing ticket. Closer is a must see production, outstanding cast!
@RufusTheRooftopWonderful to see gorgeous #RufusSewell in 1st preview of @Pmarber’s #Closer last night. Funny, sad, emotional play, excellent cast. #donmar
Will I like it?
While Marber’s exploration of love and sex in London may not shock as it once did a decade or so ago, there is still plenty to like about David Leveaux’s well-judged revival. For one, Carroll’s exceptional performance proves her to be an actress more than worthy of her 2011 Olivier Award win. Then there’s Bunny Christie’s striking designs, which like her work on West End hit The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, combine Finn Ross’ equally spectacular video projections. And, of course, there’s the play itself, which is undoubtedly an incredible revival-worthy piece of writing.
Just one more thing, prudes beware! With casual use of the ‘c’ word and a crude – albeit hilarious – cyber-sex scene, references get far more explicit than “A friendly poke”.
Closer is booking at the Donmar Warehouse until 4 April. Tickets can be purchased through the venue’s website. Please note, there is limited availability, but £10 Barclays Front Row tickets are released every Monday of the run for performances two weeks in advance.