Switzerland
Switzerland
1995, the Swiss Alps. Patricia Highsmith, the queen of the thriller, now ageing and ailing, hides away in her study, surrounded by her collection of books and antique weaponry, finding solace in her seclusion, her cats and cigarettes. Vitriolic, bigoted and alcoholic, her eccentricities are the stuff of legend. A polished young man turns up, sent by her New York publisher to persuade the great writer to pen one final instalment of her best-selling series featuring the master manipulator, Tom Ripley. But as day breaks over the mountains, it becomes clear that the charming stranger is set on a far more sinister mission.
Filled with razor-sharp dialogue, this chilling and sometimes hilarious two-hander unfolds into a gripping psychological thriller.
Phyllis Logan, who played housekeeper Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey, was acclaimed for her extraordinary performance as Patricia Highsmith at Switzerland’s premiere at the Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio earlier this year.
'Phyllis Logan ... completely wonderful. A real stab of class. Lucy Bailey's razor-sharp direction' ★★★★ Mail on Sunday
'Very well acted. Calum Finlay impeccable. A teasing metaphysical thriller' ★★★★ Guardian
★★★★ Sunday Times ★★★★ Whatsonstage
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after booking.
- How Does It Work
Please print confirmation email and bring along with you to your performance.
- Where Do I Go
Ambassadors Theatre
West St, London WC2H 9ND
How to get there;
Leicester Square Underground is the closest tube station.
Charing Cross is the closest mainline station.
Reviews
Mag
Jan 8, 2019
Throughly enjoyed it Thought provoking Much discussion between us afterward
ruth goodsell
Jan 4, 2019
very good, excellent acting by the pair. superb effects. Love plays with no interval, and sliding scene changes.
Sue McAleese
Jan 4, 2019
I picked this show to watch as I only had a limited time, and as it's only about one and a half hours long, it was ideal to fit into the "gap". I enjoyed it, although I didn't realise the language is a bit "choice"!
BevKan
Dec 23, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful production, entertaining, laugh out loud moments, excellent script and wonderful chemistry between the 2 stars. Fabulous.
Allison
Dec 23, 2018
Due to lack of tension and power play, this was a bit more "meh" than a "thriller".
Lee
Dec 19, 2018
Honestly I thought this play was brilliant. Loved it. Highly recommended seeing this before it closes :)
John Topliss
Dec 19, 2018
After a 2 star review in the Times read after we made the booking we were prepared for the worst. However we needn't have worried as this was a brilliant and well acted play. The first half was an intellectual, edged and witty battle of words. The unexpected twist was the morphing of the plot into a Tom Ripley thriller. Superb.
John Groves
Dec 18, 2018
...but wonderfully acted. The first scene is about 15 minutes too long and drags! And the denouement, when it comes, is not really exciting. Thank goodness for the acting which is worth going for: a masterclass in how to make a poorly written play bearable!
Gini
Dec 16, 2018
I am so happy that I picked his production at short noticed. It was something I hadn’t heard of buy it unexpectedly entertained me. I was absorbed the whole way through. There was mystery, suspense, and intensity that kept you there. Great play acting!!! Bravo.
Rob Williams
Dec 9, 2018
1st time left me thinking, 2nd time what i was thinking about in the performance 1st time was answered but then left me thinking about other things so I went again. I now fully understand the play. I took my sister and after the play when talking about it i explained the reasons that there is something else going on within the play it all came crystal clear to her. I'm not going to spoil it by putting it in my review. See if you can spot it.. Yet again the staff were amazing and we had a most enjoyable evening.
Robert Kelly
Dec 7, 2018
The question of the character of Patricia Highsmith and how much she is Ripley is an interesting one. The writing creates a believable portrayal of her but the Edward character is always one dimensional. The first two "acts" work well but the last "act" is weaker. Great acting from both actors but I left feeling there is a better play to be written about Highsmith.
Sara & Timwe
Dec 7, 2018
We greatly enjoyed the this play - very good cast and kept us guessing
Rosa Ramsay
Dec 2, 2018
Very good acting and witty dialogue. Somewhat reminiscent of the play 'Red' also a two hander about a tortured genius. I found it it very gripping especially the latter half.
Rob Williams
Dec 2, 2018
Went to see this on Thursday and again yesterday. First time was great, I enjoyed it immensely. Last night i noticed things I didn't on the first night and as it is only on for a limited period I will in all honesty be going again. Hats off to the Ambassadors Theatre for bringing a great show to London. The staff were just as amazingly friendly. The lovely woman at the bar remembered me and just asked same again. 5 out of 5 first time. 5 out of 5 second time
Rob Williams
Nov 30, 2018
I went on 29th November, I knew there was only a cast of two but more often than not these are more intense performances, Phyllis and Callum really brought their characters to life. Mind you if you are easily offended over her racist remarks its not best for you because Patricia was a real author and well documented on making such comments and the way Phyllis acted out Patricia's rants you would almost think the bottle of whisky on stage was real. I got fully immersed in the play and it is only 1 hour 35 minutes long and does not have an interval which is a good thing because you do not get distracted in the interval. It was so gripping when the performance ended it di not seem that long but it was. How good was it? I'm taking my sister to see it next week. Ambassadors is the smallest Theatre on the West End it is intimate. The staff were absolutely amazing. I would recommend this play to everyone.
Jane
Nov 30, 2018
Left the theatre with lots to think about. Would like to see it again.
MillieMoo
Nov 30, 2018
Bit boring and although there were a couple of twists it was thin on plot. Well acted.
Alan Fowler
Nov 30, 2018
Kept my interest to the very end wonderful twist well acted
Cathy
Nov 25, 2018
Kept my interest from the start with a great many twists and turns - wasn't sure what to make of the ending - completely unexpected!!! Both Phyllis Logan and Calum Finlay were convincing in their roles.
PH
Nov 24, 2018
Superb intense acting performance - real drama between the protagonists
Jill
Nov 19, 2018
Ecellent performance by both artists and kept going at a good pace
NancyCockerell
Nov 16, 2018
A success thanks to the acting
StepieH
Nov 16, 2018
The two actors in this play were both superb. Phyllis Logan was a very believable Patricia Highsmith and witty with it. Calum Finlay gave a very mature performance for a young actor.
Alan R
Nov 14, 2018
It was striking, with very good dialogue, and excellently acted. My wife considers the ending to be wrong, but that is matter of opinion.