The Philanthropist Review

Genre: Comedy
Opened 13 Sep 2005
Written: By Christopher Hampton
Directed: David Grindley
Producer: Donmar Warehouse
Cast: Simon Russell Beale, Simon Bubb, Siobhan Hewlett, Anna Madeley , Danny Webb Bernadette Russell
Synopsis: The Prime Minister and his cabinet have been assassinated and England's most treasured writers are being murdered one by one. Back at the university, a bachelor don tries hard to please his academic friends as he anguishes over sex, marriage, anagrams and the meaning of life.

What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Time and Simon Russell Beale have worked wonders on Christopher Hampton's finest play." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Sharply etched and highly entertaining production." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "It is Russell Beale's Philip that haunts one. He conveys the terror that lies underneath his surface amiability and the solitude that he disguises by his delight in language. This is a performance that ranks with his very best and that enlarges our human understanding." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "I was continually gripped, amused and touched by this most civilised and entertaining of comedies...Don't miss it " BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "The play begins with a wickedly funny coup de theatre, and seldom flags afterwards. See it for its wit, verve and, from Russell Beale, a touching wistfulness." PETER HEPPLE for THE STAGE says, "One of the most delightful and subtle comedies of the last century, so much so that for most of its running time I found myself with a permanent smile on my face, despite the fact that it has no particularly funny lines or situations."

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

** Production photo by Robert Workman