“Beautiful and bittersweet…Mr. Prest balances his darkly fascinating character’s mania with an underlying sense of goodness…Stuart Hughes and Sarah Wilson excel in the choicest supporting roles…At its best — and in this show, that’s often — ‘Of Human Bondage’ also manages to ask a few questions about art and ambition. But at its core, Maugham’s story is a call for compassion for ourselves, and a plea for forgiveness for the mistakes of our youth…An exceptionally empathetic production.”
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"It is wise of director Schultz to take a stylized approach to Thiessen’s dramatic adaptation...Although there are only 12 people in the cast, they embody many more characters than that, simply by changing their accents...Yet their performances are grounded firmly in reality, so the play remains emotionally engaging...Despite its necessary compression, this account of 'Of Human Bondage' does justice to one of the most intense she’s-just-not-that-into-you sagas ever written."
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"Thiessen and Schultz, as director, wisely steer clear of brooding moodiness and go instead for a more stylized representation of Maugham’s tale...The approach makes delicate work of a dark tale with echoes of social commentary that recall 'The Elephant Man,' though 'Of Human Bondage' stands very much on its own merits."
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"Thiessen's adaptation of 'Of Human Bondage' may accentuate the melodramatic nature of the plot, but the acting, directing, and the production itself make for a positively exhilarating theatrical experience and a stellar entry to the Soulpepper on 42nd festival...Under Albert Schultz's direction, the cast as a whole is nigh unto perfect, operating as a tight-knit ensemble that brings to mind the glory days of the epic Dickensian productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company.”
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"Thiessen's adaptation is still essentially a soap opera-ish tale of tortured unrequited love...It's nevertheless an edgy, very modern theatrical work. Credit Schultz, his inventive designers and the extremely versatile 12-member ensemble for mounting one of the most exciting adaptations of a century-old book...Ultimately everything adds up to lots of good choices by everyone...Consequently, you would be making a pretty smart choice yourself if you put it on your must-see list."
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"While the power of W. Somerset Maugham's legendary story is still much in evidence, Soulpepper's elaborate staging for 'Of Human Bondage' dilutes its effectiveness. Lacking in sexual heat, what the stage performance may do is send you back to the original novel, not a bad thing."
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“A splendid, remarkably collaborative effort. Vern Thiessen’s superb adaptation is brought to fruition by the innovative designs working hand in glove with director Albert Schultz…The stagecraft alone would make it worth a visit….Philip is heroically played by Gregory Prest. This is indeed a bravura performance. Mildred is beautifully portrayed by Michelle Monteith...Maugham fans can rejoice! Soulpepper pulls it off. This is glorious theater.”
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"A deeply rewarding piece of theatrical art making...An ingenious retelling of Maugham’s classic tale, one that is far removed from other interpretations...The company of artists at Soulpepper have created a unique and thrilling production that has only expanded the relatable by stripping the narrative down to its essentials by using every theatrical trick at their disposal. It’s a strikingly modern affair that is unforgettable and exactly what theatre should be."
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