The Forest - Hampstead Theatre

[orchidman]

An Insextor Calls, n'est-ce pas?

A promising beginning and great uses of theatrical technique but it goes round and round again without going anywhere, which is well-suited to a story about dementia but not enough to be truly satisfying here. The Truth on similar themes had the benefit of being funny, this is overwrought and underpowered.

[caa]

On the plus side great cast and was over before 9pm. I thought that despite the multi views that it could have gone into more on the consequences of Pierre's actions such as his speech in support for big pharma leaving him open to further plot lines. The only down side for me was that the female characters seemed under used.

[NeilVHughes]

Was there last night and left me cold.

No real depth, only beware adultery has consequences, who’d have thought.

Why have the wonderful Gina McKee and give her a role that was so thin that it almost wasn’t worth her turning up.

[drmaplewood]

If anyone can get to the Hampstead with the tube strike then I have a ticket to give away for this evening.

[Forrest]

I found this underwhelming, in the same way that I found "Shining City". The plays are not related, really, but they struck me as equally bland somehow: I just didn't care enough about any of the characters in them to enjoy them. Both struck me as somewhat basic in terms of design (I felt like watching Croatian theatre in the 90s, which really isn't a good thing) - I wanted more creativity.

In terms of the writing, perhaps I missed something big, but the female characters felt hollow, the male "primordial" and the seeming premise of it all - that it is (hu)man('s) nature to cheat - just felt dated.

But perhaps it is just me: I have been struggling to feel the *spark* in the theatre lately; most of it feels somewhat average, and I miss it being brilliant.

[Dave B]

We regret to inform you that, due to company indisposition, tonight’s performance of The Forest has been cancelled. We are sorry for the short notice, and the inconvenience this may cause.

As the remainder of The Forest's run is sold out, and the performance you had booked for is not able to go ahead, we can arrange a credit voucher for another Hampstead production. To find out more about future productions, please visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/main-stage/. Alternatively, we can of course refund your booking in full.

Just received the above - bah!

[alnoor]

Due to health issues, I have today returned 2 front row seats for the matinee on Sat 12/3/22

[vickyg]

Still cancelled for tonight’s performance which I was meant to go to. Disappointing but you pay your money and take your chances these days!

[Rory]

Tomorrow's performances cancelled also. I was due to see the matinee.

[stevemar]

Other than seeing the Father (as a film), new to Florian Zeller. I enjoyed this a lot but felt it didn’t really go anywhere despite the multiple variations, and was very cold (when some feeling or emotion could have been applied to the situation).

It was very slickly staged though with sense of menace. As pointed out, the men had a lot more to do and say, whereas the cursory plot with daughter went nowhere. I didn’t think the female nudity was needed.

Toby Stephens is always very good as that sort of untrustworthy and somewhat smug character. I agree that Gina McKee had little to do, though she is such a good actress, I still enjoyed seeing her reactions even when silent. To me, she’s one of those actresses to watch (such as Penelope Wilton) just reacting to other characters on stage, though of course better for her to have more to do. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler - click to view}
Some of my party felt that the multiple endings were simply a series of dreams or alternate feared endings, whereas the reality was probably that the mistress just ended things when she moved to Berlin.

[Rory]

I wonder if Hampstead will try and transfer this.