In Flame

After a successful run at the Bush theatre last year, this show has transferred to the West End where most of the popular press believe it has not transferred well..... JANE EDWARDES for TIME OUT says , "Last year, Charlotte Jones's play was a delight at The Bush; but -sorry - something has gone awry in the transfer." THE INDEPENDENT says, "It was first seen a year ago in the warm intimacy of the Bush Theatre, where its generous spirit and quirky humour were widely admired. Transferred to the West End now and plonked on a proscenium stage with some key, ill-advised cast changes and a cold, anonymous set, it begins to look more than a shade exposed." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "At best, this is a highly original work that deftly mixes past and present, comedy and pain, haunting stage poetry and enjoyably crude jokes... Unfortunately, Anna Mackmin's staging of In Flame catches fire only fitfully. It's a fringe production that can't quite cut it in the West End." THE FINANCIAL TIMES thought the play transferred very well and was still full of praise saying, "There are now moments - as there were not before - when the wit of Jones's writing sounds glibly neat, and when its sentiment tips towards sentimentality. These buts by no means sink the play. " THE GUARDIAN says, "Philosophically, her(Charlotte Jones) play is reactionary; formally, however, it is extremely bright and inventive." And goes on to say, "Undeniably Jones possesses a quirkily original theatrical talent. But I would find her play even more enjoyable if it offered a less fatalistic view of women as perennial victims of male inconstancy." JOHN THAXTER for THE STAGE describes he play as, "Emotion that burns brightly."

(Darren Dalglish)

Originally published on

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!

Special offers, reviews and release dates for the best shows in town.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy