On the Waterfront

Genre: Drama
Opened 12 Feb 2009
Written: Oscar-winning film adapted for the stage by its original screenwriter Budd Schulberg, working with Stan Silverman.
Directed: Steven Berkoff
cast: Steven Berkoff (Johnny Friendly) , Simon Merrells (Terry Malloy), Vincenzo Nicoli (Father Barry) Coral Beed (Edie Doyle), Antony Byrne (Charley Malloy)
Synopsis: The classic story of beleaguered boxer bum Terry Malloy's fight against the New York underworld has been transported from screen to stage. After throwing too many fights Terry is now working on the docks and in the pay of mobster Johnny Friendly. Unwittingly implicated in a murder, facing conflicting feelings of guilt and pragmatism, he is forced to make a decision when falling for the dead man's sister.

What the popular press had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, " an extraordinary piece of expressionistic theatre and stylised ritual that ranks as a thrilling work of art...I was enthralled" MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "A gripping piece of theatre. This is largely because it is directed by Steven Berkoff, who eschews cinematic realism to provide a piece of dockside expressionism...An imaginative re-invention of what is an iconic movie." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Which British actor would you least like to meet in a black mood in a shadowy passage on a grim night? Or, to put it another way, which actor packs the most danger into his face, fist and little finger? The answer is Steven Berkoff...a prime reason for seeing the production...The production itself is an almost better reason for visiting the Haymarket...An evening that's always atmospheric and, at times, almost mythic." MICHAEL COVENEY for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Chilly, austere, socially abstract, recognisably Berkoff, which is good. But not as good as the film." MARK SHENTON for THE STAGE says, "This remains an enthralling story." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Spellbinding...Berkoff provides a splendidly sinister star-turn as the shaven-headed, pot-bellied union boss and there's outstanding support right through the ranks."

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

Production photos by Nobby Clarke