Reviews

• Linda Bagnall

  Mar 15, 2018

  Bus to replace train didn't turn up and extra trains cancelled so no way to get to the play in London from Worthing. Been trying to get refund from rail company for our tickets but refuse to pay up. SO DISAPPOINTED really like Phoenix theatre and first time never been able to get to London. If possible could you let me know how to contact Phoenix, thanks Linda B

• Caroline Vitta

  Mar 12, 2018

  We saw the last show of The Exorcist. Brilliantly acted with mind blowing effects. An edge of your seat experience and one of the best theatre experiences I've been to.

• Anna

  Mar 12, 2018

  I recently took my mother to watch The Exorcist for her Mother's Day treat. I honestly didn't know what to expect because it seemed that critics of the show hated it whilst the audience loved it. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the whole show. It is definitely for over 18's purely because of some of the scenes and the language but that didn't deter me from the show. I thought it was all put together nicely. The scenery looked amazing and I was surprised with how well it worked. Having the attic, the living room, the hallway, Regan's bedroom and bringing on other pieces of set I thought would have been a too difficult and would look silly but I thought it worked well. The acting I thought was good. Personally, there were a few things that I would change but I think that the cast worked well together and they each had their own individual character that they made their own. I have to tip my hat to Regan who I thought had an extremely challenging role, reverting from Regan to the Demon and I thought she done this fantastically. There were some special effects I thought were a bit of a miss (vomit) whilst others I thought was done really well (head spinning). Of course, with a story such as The Exorcist, I can totally appreciate that there is only so much you can do in the theatre but I thought it was done good enough that the audience enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that I was particularly scared, although, I am a massive horror fan so it takes a lot for me to get scared. There were a few jumps from the loud sound effects but I would say the show itself, for me, wasn't scary but nonetheless it was extremely enjoyable. I was disappointed that there was no merchandise that I could see because I would have loved a shirt or jumper of some short. I have to add that during this show I was very ill. I am on medication that unfortunately made me sick, I have to thank The Phoenix theatre for being so kind and helpful for me whilst I was in this predicament. I had the leave the show half-way through the first act because I was going to be sick and they were so caring, helpful and made sure that I was okay during the rest of the show. Thank you! Overall, I am glad that I watched this show and I would recommend it to others looking to watch something different in the theatre.

• Lucy

  Mar 5, 2018

  My family and I came for the evening and our seats were even upgraded on arrival! Amazing acting and a really goo evening! Thank you!

• Julie

  Mar 4, 2018

  Brilliant!

• Rock & Jim

  Mar 4, 2018

  Loved it. Some great acting and some suitably hilarious moments. Her head really did spin around complexly!

• Gill Patterson

  Mar 3, 2018

  Great Atmosphere in the Phoenix Theatre for a horror! Really good effects! Characters were convincing and Regan as the daughter was excellent!

• L.R.

  Mar 3, 2018

  A compelling thoughtful show - funny sad violent mad. Well staged and well acted. Full of shocks and special effects and correct ambiance.

• Danielle Ledingham

  Mar 3, 2018

  How old is the lead?

• Madge

  Mar 3, 2018

  Excellent production! The acting was superb as well as the frightening effects. We were jumping out of our seats on many occasions.

• emma

  Mar 2, 2018

  this was so frightening, i've seen other horror shows but this didnt feel like watching a show on stage where actors try and scare you, this was like being submerged into actual terror, and i was shaking during the break and unsure whether i could go back in- yet also so gripped i had to go back! one of the most effective shows i've ever seen. the staging and set is so effective it plunges you into darkness and the lead actress is amazing. how they did some of the iconic scary bits, and made it look so real was disturbing, and people were regularly gasping and screaming. a real triumph. such a refreshing change from musicals. only critique is they did try and insert a tiny bit of humour with one of the more 'camp' characters, which i felt was misplaced and inappropriate, but luckily that is short lived. the simplicity of the special effects were amazing, as you really do feel its just you in a dark room with someone who actually is possessed- and lots of big scare moments throughout, left me continuously exhilarated with fear. never been effected so powerfully by a piece on stage before. 10 out of 10, well done.

• Sally Roberts

  Mar 1, 2018

  Very well done and extremely atmospheric

• Mark

  Feb 28, 2018

  A must see for all fans of horror, the film and the book. If I have one small issue with the production *and it is only one* it seemed to walk a fine tightrope between the boundaries pushed by the movie and a need not to offend too much, but it was well done. Otherwise I was more than happy with the performances the effects and the whole atmosphere of the production. Definitely worth the price of a ticket.

• Debbie

  Feb 28, 2018

  Excellent show, great acting. Lots of jumping moments. I was surprised how they had had managed to transfer from Screen to stage, couldn't fault it.

• Suzi Kalms

  Feb 27, 2018

  Really really loved this we went to see it last night at the Phoenix theatre and after having read various reviews wasn’t sure what to expect. From the very beginning it had you on the edge of your seat, superb acting, fantastic special effects and really captivating I didn’t want it to end. We all loved it and highly recommend the Exorcist weldone guys you really did a fantastic job xxx

• Angela

  Feb 27, 2018

  Really first class. Seats at a reasonable price. Highly recommend

• Stuart Weir

  Feb 26, 2018

  Just ok really. Predictable, a shame tubular bells was only played at the end.

• OW

  Feb 25, 2018

  Great use of the set and lots of scary tricks and frights. Enjoyable show but maybe not for the easily offended.

• Martin

  Feb 25, 2018

  Very creepy and atmospheric. Good actors.

• Mike

  Feb 25, 2018

  Great acting. Atmospheric sets and great use of sound and light. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

• Zoe

  Feb 25, 2018

  Despite missing the first 20 minutes of the show due to traffic, we did not miss any of the drama or special effects! This show was very cleverly done and would highly recommend it to everyone.

• Mr B Jones

  Feb 25, 2018

  We went with a very open mind. We are big fans of the film but the show .....wow superb, an amazing night the show kept you intrigued the whole time. The cast done an amazing job and were a pleasure to watch. The visual and sound effects really bring it alive. Thankyou for a truly amazing night

• Samantha

  Feb 25, 2018

  Great show

• Disgruntled

  Feb 24, 2018

  Well it was a night of horrors but not for the hoped for reasons. The theatre changed our seats without prior agreement. This “upgrade” meant we were forced to sit in the stalls, being short I always book the circle seats & sure enough someone tall sat in front of me so part of the stage was not visible. I would have expected some communication from the theatre prior to the show, probably I would have chosen to cancel. Then there was the other members of the audience, when did it ever become acceptable in a theatre to drink vast quantities of beer, eat (loudly) popcorn, talk to your partner, sit with your arms around each other as if you were on a sofa, in fact most people these days forget that a theatre is a shared space & there should be some manners shown, it’s not your own home to do as you like. As far as the actual production, full marks for trying to make a scary atmosphere unfortunately the acting very much undermined these efforts. It was very “amateur dramatics”. Jenny Seagrove’s American accent was woeful & very off putting, Peter Bowles tried his best but none of it really worked. The best part was the devil voiced by Ian Mckellen which I think pretty much sums it up, the best bit by someone not even there.

• Margaret

  Feb 24, 2018

  Actors and special effects were brilliant. Went with my husband and son...we all thought it was excellent.

• P&J

  Feb 24, 2018

  Seamless set changes, unique special effects and superb acting by all. Really enjoyed this show! Well done to all involved. Thank you!

• Jon Cash

  Feb 23, 2018

  Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Really well done and acted. Jumps all the way!

• Irena

  Feb 23, 2018

  The best ever!!! Actors are amazing ! Would like to see it again.

• Candy

  Feb 23, 2018

  Had an amazing night. Acting was great, and the special effects were remarkable. I would love to see it again! I've already recommended my in-laws go and they've booked tickets for 2 days later!!

• Nicola waywell

  Feb 22, 2018

  I didn't know what to expect as have only seen musical theatre before. Was gripped and entertained. Really great experience. The actress playing Regan put everything into her performance. Was jumpy, creepy and funny in parts too. Great night out.

• Hugo Bergson

  Feb 22, 2018

  As an admirer of William Peter Blatty's masterpiece, I was skeptical about adapting it on stage. I have to say I have been totally convinced by this amazing performance. The special effects are very well done and the cast is fantastic starting with Clare Connolly who plays Regan's character and who is absolutely astonishing.

• Theresa F

  Feb 21, 2018

  Bravo! You engage us with the haunting sounds of bells and chanting whilst we wait in anticipation of the curtain rising. Your attention is held throughout, with cleverly designed sets, superb lighting and jaw dropping effects!! The cast are amazing! There is just enough humour to lull you before you find your hand clamped over your mouth - agast! All the memorable points from the classic '70's film are brought to life on stage before your eyes! You will find yourself asking "did they just do that?" The play runs for just over 2 hours - and you will be gripped and entertained from start to finish! It is a performance to be seen again and again!

• Mark N

  Feb 19, 2018

  Great show for us a bit different from the usual London shows.We got discounted tickets due to our seat location but we didn’t mind as it was good entertainment for the evening.Good effects especially the head turning so worth a visit if your a horror fan.

• Mrs Brooks

  Feb 18, 2018

  From the start to finish it was amazing. We got chills, screamed, cringed and jumped out our seats several times. The acting especially by Regan was brilliant and the live effects sensational. I would highly recommend seeing this.

• Claire

  Feb 18, 2018

  After being upgraded to the Stalls from the upper circle we had a great afternoons entertainment! Thoroughly scared and mesmerised at the effects! Would sefinywatch it again! A shame that Andy Garcia was not in the performance though.

• Skipper

  Feb 18, 2018

  If you can get the tickets cheap, it’s worth going if you’re into this kind of thing. I love horror but I didnt find this particularly scary or uncomfortable to watch. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll know what to expect and it’s just a tamed down version of that. Funny in places. Good atmosphere from the theatre and audience though and staff are very friendly and helpful.

• Pete Blackburn

  Feb 18, 2018

  The show was absolutely brilliant, better than the movie and the actors were amazing. Recommend it to everyone, age appropriate.

• Gem

  Feb 18, 2018

  Was worth a night out. Lots of strob light effects used so beware anyone epileptic. I recommended but not one of the best theatre productions I’ve seen.

• Mister Masey

  Feb 18, 2018

  Whilst the staging and production was great, I found the American accents a little unconvincing which became a bit of a distraction. Some of the acting was a bit exaggerated where it needn't have bern and in places it came across as inauthentic. Visual and sound were amazing though.

• Callum Phoenix

  Feb 17, 2018

  Having been a huge fan of the film and having read the book I wasn't sure what to expect. From the moment you are in the auditorium you are subject to a a very eerie atmosphere. Very well created and totally unnerving. The story follows both the book and the film but is a new version of the Exorcist in its own right. The actress playing Regan is brilliant. Definately worth seeing but exercise caution if you are nervous of loud noises and gory moments as there are plenty of this! I was sat in the second to front row in the stalls and quickly wished I had been further back! Great for horror fans but others may be left scratching their heads who are not familiar with the story/film.

• Pedro @ London

  Feb 17, 2018

  It was ok and quite entertaining. But I guess once you know the story there aren't any twists and turns to it so no surprises. Love the actual theatre though

• Stephen

  Feb 17, 2018

  I’ve never seen the film but my wife has, she said the film is scarier, but the live experience is well worth the effort. Regan steals the show and the set design is brilliant. A different evenings entertainment compared to the usual west end stuff.

• Richard

  Feb 16, 2018

  Very good play with some big name actors with good effects excellent value for money

• Jas

  Feb 16, 2018

  An excellent production ehich was true to the film. An outstanding performance from the youg lead!

• nicola mccormick

  Feb 15, 2018

  Awful, absolutely awful.

• Seagill

  Feb 14, 2018

  Amazing effects, had us on the edge of our seats

• A.

  Feb 14, 2018

  I saw the movie a few times so the story been known for me but still the light and visual effects been used, made me jump a few times. Superb dread throughout and very creative way of changing scenes, not to mention the main character - she was awesome. I could only recommend! :)

• Charlotte

  Feb 11, 2018

  I saw this on Saturday with my mum. It was a great production. The actors were great and the use of special effects and the general stage space to recreate iconic moments from the film was excellent. We would definitely recommend seeing this! The view from our seats was fantastic and quite central. Overall we loved it!

• Fiona

  Feb 11, 2018

  Enjoyable and v. V. scary. Overloaded on the special effects at times but good storytelling throughout. Definitely recommend you book a ticket.

• Sue

  Feb 6, 2018

  Really Enjoyed this show , it was very entertaining.