Reviews

• Jackie

  Feb 29, 2016

  What a fantastic show - Adrian Lester is awesome and the evening will remain in my memory for a long time. This is a 'must see' - do not miss it x

• Katy

  Feb 29, 2016

  Superbly written, directed and performed by extremely accomplished and talented company. This is a moving and important play eliciting genuine spontaneous reaction from the audience. At times, very funny and at times the pain of recognition. Adrian Lester is a commanding force on stage. Can't recommend highly enough.

• Anne Holland

  Feb 28, 2016

  An interesting story, told very well, with humour and energy. It made a good companion play to both Farinelli and the King and Mr Foote's Other Leg, both of which we had recently seen. Some of it was hard hitting with strong resonances with modern day issues. The ending was rather troubling, with the irony of him having to 'white up' very disturbing. Reading the timeline In the programme, he was clearly more successful than perhaps the play made out. Maybe the play focuses too heavily on the negative.

• Barbara

  Feb 28, 2016

  Overall this was a thought-provoking and weirdly timely and current play although it was about events in the mid-1800s. The theme of racial prejudice is one that, shamefully, is still as shockingly evident in our society as it was, despite many improvements in the lives of people who are not white. The acting is overall excellent, although it was not always clear if the exaggerated drama was because of the period portrayed or because of overacting. Definitely worth seeing.

• Chrissie

  Feb 27, 2016

  Interesting play with very energised cast.

• Jenny Goode

  Feb 27, 2016

  This was a stunning production in every way at te interval I felt that it had only been going for about ten minutes! Of course Adrien Lester was marvellous but the rest of the cast were a force of support and delight. Wonderful to be able to see this play, a husband and wife colaboration, congratulations.

• Olive

  Feb 26, 2016

  The production was great not only because it raised such an important issue that still exists today (misrepresentation of black roles and black thespians) but also because of the witty and clever script, as well as the skilled actors; Adrian Leicester was amazing.

• Mrs Rogers

  Feb 26, 2016

  Really enjoyed the performance of Red Velvet. Wasn't expecting such a thought provoking play. We loved the sentence "We know what we like and we like what we know". So British and very current in today's political affairs.

• Leo Pitt

  Feb 26, 2016

  This was an electrifying ensemble performance, the connection between everyone on the stage and then between them and the audience in the wonderfully intimate environment of this lovely theatre was stunning. The ideas and events conveyed were in turn stimulating, challenging and moving...and sometimes it was really funny. An outstanding theatrical experience, many thanks.

• KAmp

  Feb 26, 2016

  Glad we caught Red Velvet before its run ended. Strong performance from Adrian Lester and the cast. Loved the staging (when I could see it) and the evocation of 19th acting - very funny. Ayesha Antoine's performance as Connie a little gem. The play of course leaves a bitter taste for someone of African descent living life in London. You cannot help but draw parallels with attitudes today, and that is depressing. The cries of 'too aggressive', 'too loud' persist - the pressure to be quieter, smaller, less visible... I give 4 stars because I would have preferred to see it at The Tricycle. The Garrick does not do it justice.

• Joyce

  Feb 26, 2016

  Amazing from start to finish

• Jenny Goode

  Feb 25, 2016

  This was a stunning production in every way at te interval I felt that it had only been going for about ten minutes! Of course Adrien Lester was marvellous but the rest of the cast were a force of support and delight. Wonderful to be able to see this play, a husband and wife colaboration, congratulations.

• M Barnes

  Feb 25, 2016

  A Tour de Force! Wow - A fantastic production from beginning to end. Adrian Lester gave a supreme performance as did his supporting cast. If only all productions could guarantee such entertainment. I'm so glad I got to see this. It is up there as one of the theatre trips I will remember for a long time. My daughter came too and was unsure as to whether she would enjoy it but she was thrilled that I had made her come. This has inspired her to see more theatre. I can' praise it enough.

• Jil

  Feb 25, 2016

  The acting was superb but the story line left us feeling uncomfortable. We had to remind ourselves that the action took place back in the 1860s. Don't think I'd recommend it though!

• V

  Feb 25, 2016

  A brilliant play! Stand out performance from Adrian Lester, and a great supporting cast.

• Theatre Lover

  Feb 25, 2016

  This is a play that tells a story about an actor few of us will have heard about. The play is moving, funny and says much about the politics of race. Adrian Lester who plays Ira Aldridge in the lead role breaks your heart. Here is a multi-dimensional character who shows you the passion of the craft!

• Theatre Goer

  Feb 25, 2016

  A very well performed reprisal of a play with renewed topicality. Lester is fantastically engaging, over brimming with passion. There are laughs throughout and many well judged digs at the theatre establishment. Emun Elliott and Lester's penultimate scene was phenomenal, a radical change of tone from what had preceded it but very well carried off. The proverbial pin could have been heard to drop.

• juneR

  Feb 25, 2016

  An amazing story. Why have I never heard of Ira Aldridge before? Funny as well as thought provoking about how little we have moved on from narrow minds and prejudice.

• Dr Josephine Alleyne

  Feb 25, 2016

  This is a very powerful story which depicts the manifestations of racism within the 19th century. Ideas of superiority of the white race and the demonization of the negro is portrayed within a framework of humour and snobbery, however the important messages are clearly visible and are consistent with modern expressions of racism.

• Scilla

  Feb 24, 2016

  Wonderful performance by Adrian Lester - and great production! Surprisingly full of comedy in the first half - contrasting with the emotional denouement of the second.

• Jacqui Bull

  Feb 24, 2016

  My husband and i watched Red Velvet yesterday and were surprised at the rollecoaster of emotions we experienced. It saddens me that we experiencing the same issues in 2016. The cast were outstanding and we found it thought provoking.

• ELENA

  Feb 24, 2016

  Finally a play that tackles the issue of underrepresented black artists. Witty and acute , Chakrabarti's writing brings to life the story of Afro-American actor Ira Aldrige, and invites her audience to reflect on the roots and consequences of discrimination, which still affect our contemporary society. Through the character of a female Polish writer, Chakrabarti also remind us of women's exclusions from creative and leading job positions. An excellent cast, with Adrian Lecester's performance sinking right under your skin!

• Town Mouse

  Feb 24, 2016

  Beautifully written script skilfully delivered by Adrian Lester with a good supporting cast

• natalie

  Feb 23, 2016

  Fantastic performance. Adrian Lester is remarkable in role and brings a true passion, energy and charisma to the stage.

• Pamela

  Feb 22, 2016

  This is an excellent and stirring play. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it - all the acting was really good.

• Lynn

  Feb 22, 2016

  Very powerful writing and performances, Adrain Lester was magnificent. A story that needed to be told and articulacy apt with the Oscar arguments at present about Black actors.

• Karen T

  Feb 22, 2016

  I took my mother with me to see the play and we both thoroughly enjoyed the performance and would recommend it be seen as it was also funny, thought provoking and a joy to watch. We laughed out loud in parts and we were reminded of the seriousness and blatant injustice in others. A lovely production!!

• John S

  Feb 21, 2016

  This was a terrific production - excellent performances and a fascinating story. Engaging, provocative and leaving me wanting to know more about Aldridge and his life and career. But beware where you buy your tickets as some websites charge almost £10 per ticket handling fee: a complete rip off! (I was ripped off as I bought three tickets at a ludicrously inflated price and then bought another from a different site - same row and next to the others - for almost £20 a ticket less. My fault I know, but it leaves a nasty taste.)

• tessnthemba

  Feb 21, 2016

  Superb performances in this many-layered performance. Emotions ran the gamut of burlesque humour through pathos,fury and self-questioning. Prepare to be caught up in this. Adrian Lester quite outstanding. The writing of Lolita Chakrabati ably caught the atmosphere and tension of the anti-slavery debate as a backdrop for the Bard.

• marie

  Feb 21, 2016

  My husband and I really enjoyed this play. the acting was superb.

• Manos

  Feb 21, 2016

  Just Superb! Adrian Lester at his best lifetime role.

• Frank

  Feb 20, 2016

  Puts our ongoing struggle with race in historical perspective. Well acted, great script, and entertaining. Adrian Lester's performance is outstanding.

• Leah

  Feb 20, 2016

  It's definitely worth venturing down to the Garrick to see this thoroughly charming and entertaining play. A little slow to get going and perhaps a hint of sadness to the finale, but everything in between was funny, educational and just a little bit mad (it does involve Othello, so this is to be expected). Adrian Lester was great. You only have a week to fit this show in, don't delay.

• Bar3000

  Feb 20, 2016

  Adrian lester is absolutely fantastic in this role and when he is not on the stage it seems there is nothing happening. The play tells a story but leaves so much unsaid to make it feel incomplete to me. The real theatre of the evening came from the audience's reaction to the language used to describe blacks and the critics' attack on Aldridge. I thought the role of the Polish reporter was a distraction to the story that needed to be told.

• Barbara

  Feb 20, 2016

  This was a fascinating play and beautifully acted. It is a play that would only work with actors capable of demonstrating many levels all at once: the psychology of each character, the historical cotext, the current relevance, and the changes in the way Shakespearean dramas have been produced.

• Nicola

  Feb 19, 2016

  Excellent performances from all of the cast. Especially loved Adrian Lester and Emun Elliott.

• Emma

  Feb 18, 2016

  A must see play. Adrian Lester is stunning in his role - a thought provoking and moving show.

• Tak Louter

  Feb 18, 2016

  A reliably brilliant performer, he makes a fuller, greater drama out of a slight piece on this forgotten figure. Designs nd movement were spare but effective.

• N.N

  Feb 18, 2016

  It is a well written play and suits any age and time, The performances were wonderful. Adrian Lester is a Star

• LT

  Feb 18, 2016

  I got a bit emotional and almost started bawling, but overall it was the acme of theatre.

• Vivien Symister

  Feb 18, 2016

  My husband and I often go to see musical but thought we'd venture out and see a play. We were very glad we did as it was really moving. It had a mixture of realism with humour and vulnerability. The acting by all was amazing, though Adrian Lester did a particularly amazing job. The message in the play though historical had a modern theme; racism is still a concept the acting world struggle with today. An excellent afternoon out.

• SKA

  Feb 18, 2016

  Truly excellent play and commanding performances by Lester and Piven in particular.

• Mary

  Feb 18, 2016

  An excellent production. Marvellous performances. Extremely moving and thought-provoking.

• Maggie Bienias

  Feb 18, 2016

  I really enjoyed the performance. What an interesting story! Beautifully acted particularly Mr Lester. Well done!!

• Ashwin

  Feb 17, 2016

  Excellent play. The second act was gripping.

• Derek

  Feb 17, 2016

  factual, humerous, sad, great acting all round. Not sure how it would be but we both enjoyed it greatly.

• PB

  Feb 17, 2016

  A fantastic production, challenging race issues head on but in a sensitive and entertaining way. Very successfully combining history with a contemporary interpretation. Adrian Lester was superb. I was not aware of the true story before going. I hope this production gets a longer run. It deserves it...

• MikeV

  Feb 17, 2016

  Excellent performance. Having heard the Radio4 version (Summer '15), I was curious to see how it looked on stage. Most striking were the visual/physical elements of the "classical" and "domestic" styles of acting in the first act, and the powerful visual effect of the ending (avoiding spoilers here), which must have been missing on the radio. I was also struck by the contrast between the first Act, which was surprisingly comic - if this tone had been sustained through the second half, I feel that this would trivialise some of the issues which we laughed uncomfortably at in the first - middle-class attitudes to slavery and race issues. But the starkly serious note sustained throughout the second half was an excellent foil to this. Lester was superb in taking a young/old man role, equally convincing in both. I was also impressed by the actor who played both the journalist and Aldridge's wife.

• Bala

  Feb 16, 2016

  Lester was wonderful with a great supporting cast. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Aldridge perform his Othello with Ellen's Desdemona. Aldridge never lost his dignity caught as he was in the bigotry of the time (except at the end of course).

• Clare

  Feb 16, 2016

  Terrific performance from Adrian Lester in a great new play which manages to combine humour, rage and pathos.