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ryrybaevies's review
challenging
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sarawiser's review against another edition
4.0
super interesting writing style! i really loved the care that was put into each line, also the ending was wonderful. love a good Royal Court show!
bookjerm's review against another edition
4.0
First, I have to confess that I'm not a huge fan of plays, well, reading them anyway. I love seeing them on stage, but have a really hard time reading them. That being said, I listened to a discussion on the Literary Disco podcast of this one and it piqued my curiosity. I loved this play. Basically, it's a play about sexuality. The only named character, John, is in a dilemma. He's fallen in love with a woman, "W", after being in a gay relationship with "M" for about seven years. In the end, there's one awkward dinner that is just a bloody masterpiece of writing. The silences, as shown by spaces that become longer and longer as the dinner progresses, were superb. In fact, what these characters are saying is made more exciting, from a reader's perspective, by these spaces. It's really a genius writing technique. The "F" character who joins the trio for dinner stands for, I believe, Father, but also, it could stand for Facilitator, since he's the one who actually get the other three talking, and arguing, and is the one who pressures John to make a decision who he wants to be with "M" or "W". This play is a great meditation on bisexuality. The main character, John, is completely content loving both "M" and "W" but it is "M" "W" and "F" who need him to decide who he wants to be with. John can only love one of them and he must choose. But it's more than choosing who specifically he wants to be with but more in general who he wants to be: gay or straight. He can't be bi. Not being a bisexual myself, it was fascinating watching the conflict unfold, externally and internally. I was on the edge of my seat for the last 20 pages or so, secretly wanting John to just walk away from the entire situation. I definitely didn't want him to end up with "M" who I found to be too desperate, and stifling. I was captivated by this play and therefore highly recommend it. Also, if you don't listen to Literary Disco already, I suggest giving them try. It's a fantastic podcast.
theratcave's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
God honestly near to tears even just from reading it. I think watching it would destroy me. I’m not overreacting either - Bartlett writes here not necessarily with anything crazy or wildly original in theme but phrases thought and conversation in such a perfect way.
I’ve been giving updates as to the first 2 parts, so here I will just comment vaguely on the 3rd and final part. W comes to dine with John and M, but in the end M invites his dad, F, too. They try getting John to make a decision, and the scene builds uncomfortable tension so we’ll that when John does finally burst out at all of them you can tell the emotion and feeling even within seconds. I also had the first feeling that one of these monologues is going to be really good for me. His outburst is so relatable and means so much.
I really hope to see this play one day, no matter how painful it may be.
I’ve been giving updates as to the first 2 parts, so here I will just comment vaguely on the 3rd and final part. W comes to dine with John and M, but in the end M invites his dad, F, too. They try getting John to make a decision, and the scene builds uncomfortable tension so we’ll that when John does finally burst out at all of them you can tell the emotion and feeling even within seconds. I also had the first feeling that one of these monologues is going to be really good for me. His outburst is so relatable and means so much.
I really hope to see this play one day, no matter how painful it may be.
jvs2000's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lennon_delapaz's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Kinda dull, in my opinion said very little, all with charcters that I found uninteresting and boring.
apareruiz's review against another edition
3.0
Mike Bartlett poses an interesting question about identity and what it means to label oneself—especially in relation to gender, sexuality, and expression. Through his 4 characters, he captures the optimism of late 2000s/early 2010s queer politics in the codification of certain rights and uptick in queer media.
Does it stand the test of time? It’s something I keep asking myself, in particular with the 2022 West End revival, and wonder what ideas can we consider “complex” and what can be considered “outdated”.
Does it stand the test of time? It’s something I keep asking myself, in particular with the 2022 West End revival, and wonder what ideas can we consider “complex” and what can be considered “outdated”.
megspeirce's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0