Having watched the film for the first time a week before, it was inevitable that I would be comparing the play to the film. The performances were verydifferent and nuances of the underlying messages were different in each. I found the film emphasised the racism and the absolute power of Nurse Ratchett. In the play, I found that the struggle between McMurphy and Ratchett much more personal and sexually charged. I found myself more involved with the non committed patients especially Owen O'Neil's Harding. Although Crook seemed at first that he was portraying shy and quiet aspects of Billy a little too much, I really missed him when he was not on stage. Christian Slater was born to play this part and I believe he excelled in the role. He had so much more passion and I could understand why McMurphy took the path he did much more thanks to his performance. He was rougher, sexier and dare I say it, even more enigmatic than Nicholson. Two main gripes: The sometimes questionable accents and the make-up on the white guy playing the Indian was orange and patchy.
Zoe Mercer, September 2004
I really enjoyed it.Perhaps unfairly I couldn't help comparing it to the film, and unfortunately Frances Barber's interpretation of Nurse Ratched came across as bossy (and at times hysterical) - I preferred the sinister, ice cold calm of Louise Fletcher's version. Loved the inmates though, found myself really relating to the chief in particular. The story itself is always a winner and Slater had the charisma to take on McMurphy with some style
Lol, September 2004
I thought it was weak. But it was cursed from the beginning by whoever decided to enrol Christian Slater, they didn't need this gross publicity stunt, he's not a great actor so why the need? The set was very cool, very slick. The atmosphere was nervous and exciting and then someone let this overactive performing baboon on the stage. I was disappointed, not just for me but for the comedians who had proved their talent in the theatre the year before who probably wanted to come back and give the crowd that had so embraced them a stealth performance. Slater was rubbish, no charisma, he touched me not and by the end I really didn't want him to. In a nutshell, the play was an ego trip, it had been eaten up by the greedy investors who wanted glory and forgot who the audience where, and most of all who had the real talent that created the magic of the year before. Stupid fools.
Norman Dee, September 2004
A bit clunky in parts but a great bit of afternoon theatre. Mackenzie Crook couldn't shake his West Country twang, "Shouty performance" comment above accurate for Frances Barber but Slaters presence ensured the audience remained on-side.
Wesley Strider, August 2004
Competent, if always struggling to be anything more than an imitation of the film. Too much impersonation, not enough genuine characterisation, though there were a few likeable performances, especially from the in-patients. The main flaw, though, was that it failed to have genuine emotional impact. The strength of theatre over film is the ability to hit the emotional highs but, while the laughs were there, the tears were patently not. The ending, in particular, was unsatisfactorily reworked due to technical limitations
P. Brown, August 2004
Brilliant! Saw it two days ago and still love it. great cast and real ensemble playing, particularly Phil Nicol, Gavin Robertson and Ian Coppinger. Al mad - but then they would be wouldn't they?
G. Knight, August 2004
A great ensemble show, moving and funny. Slater is perfect as RP McMurphy. A great theatrical experience go see it in London's West End. The comics have taken over the asylum, and it's a joy.
Steve Deacon, August 2004
Brilliant! All the cast are excellent particularly Frances Barber and Christian Slater.
