There Came A Gypsy Riding

Genre: Drama
Opened 18 Jan 2007
Written: by Frank McGuinness
Directed: Michael Attenborough
Produced:Almeida
Cast: Eileen Atkins (Bridget), Imelda Staunton (Margaret), Elaine Cassidy (Louise), Aidan McArdle (Simon), Ian McElhinney (Leo)
Synopsis: The McKenna family convenes at their remote West of Ireland holiday home to mark the 21st birthday of their late son Gene. Eccentric cousin Bridget appears along the causeway, inviting herself for birthday cake and conversation, and ready to expose a family secret. Even Margaret, the unstoppable mother, and Leo, the calm father, can't hold things together in the face of an unexpected visit from the past.

What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Unenlightening play about suicide and bereavement is couched in a defunct theatrical form and lacks a dramatic pulse...torpid production" MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Elegantly written, exquisitely acted Michael Attenborough production." JEREMY AUSTIN for THE STAGE says, "So well-observed is Frank McGuinness' script that it almost leaves one wondering what have we learned as an audience other than this is how an ordinary family deals with an extraordinary tragedy."BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "This is a dense, and, at times, a difficult play that raises plenty of pertinent and not-so-pertinent questions...Top-notch performances."

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