Benighted - Old Red Lion

[joem]

I have noticed this has been nominated for several "Offies", unsurprisingly in the technical categories.

It is very well produced, especially bearing in mind the smallness of the Old Red Lion stage, with the limited space inventively and creatively used to create a sense of space and to isolate different actions in different areas. Together with the use of special effects this really makes it a West End production in a tiny fringe space.

BUT... the play is a creaky old relic. Credited with having inspired The Rocky Horrow Show it looks as if it's going to be fun but the horror bits make Scooby Doo positively terrifying by comparison and the comedy, such as it is, pretty dated. Which is a shame given the above and given some smart acting with great tempo and ensemble work.

I am a great fan and supporter of fringe work. However some plays are justly neglected and this is one of them.

[showgirl]

I like Priestley generally but didn't like the sound of this (not his usual genre or one which appeals to me), so though I looked out for the reviews, they confirmed that I was right to avoid it. The production seems to have sold well initially (maybe on the basis of cheap previews and before reviews were published), but I see they are flogging it on Twitter now, which suggests the rest of the run may be proving a hard sell.

[alvina3]

Priestley's fan myself but have been generally disappointed and a bit bored.

The only brilliant line I enjoyed: "I cannot open the door, I am an architect!"

[perfectspy]

I just saw this play today. Some good moments but overall an Average play. Some great acting in a tiny stage that they somehow made to look much larger than it is. It didn't quite become the spooky play I had hoped for, but I'm glad I saw it as its a great way to start the new year off.