As You Desire Me

Genre: Drama
Opened 27 Oct 2005
Written: by Luigi Pirandello, adapted by Hugh Whitemore
Directed:Jonathan Kent
Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas , Margaret Tyzack , Bob Hoskins, John Carlisle, Richard Lintern, Finbar Lynch.
Synopsis: Elma is a singer in a sleazy 1930s Berlin night-club. She was the victim of an appalling assault during the First World War and, as a result, lost her memory. A man appears and tells her that she is, in fact, the wife of an Italian aristocrat. A new life awaits her. But when she goes to Italy to pursue this dream, she finds unexpected problems and disappointments.

What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Handsome, but rather stiff, underlit production...This As You Desire Me remains, however, a highly desirable West End theatrical property." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Wonderfully astute and stylish production." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Pirandello's play tantalises one intellectually while leaving one emotionally hungry." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Gripping, haunting play...The play becomes a fascinating study of memory, identity, and our frightening inability ever fully to know those we claim to love." BENEDICT NIGHTINGHALE for THE TIMES says, "The play absorbs as well as stimulates." PETER HEPPLE for THE STAGE says, "Quite possibly the least performed of Pirandello's plays, As You Desire Me is one of the most intriguing."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Independent
The Guardian
The Stage
The Times
Daily Telegraph