The Roundabout

See it if you enjoy British comedies. There are laughs, but the silly plot gets tedious in Act II. JBP must have finished the script quickly.

Don't see it if you dislike uneven acting. The women are better than the men. Pamela stands out, altho her character is annoying. Chuffey has the best part.

See it if fun; '30s play combines sting of GB Shaw/satirizes casual communists + breeziness of Noel Coward/upper class idiocy well played by Brit cast

Don't see it if a lot of overacting by stock characters to evoke laughs, predictable plotting, too restrained to be memorable farce

See it if you enjoy witty dialogue with British accent. Very developed characters, especially the daughter. Shaw would have done even more with plot.

Don't see it if don't like farce or British accents.

See it if you want to see a play that hasn't been performed since 1932.

Don't see it if you are expecting a funny, British, farce, or comedy.

Also This play has not been performed since 1932 and there's a reason why. It's terrible. 59e59 theater usually does a great job with this British series because their choices are usually shows that are fresh and new. I just don't understand why anyone would want to revive this play. The acting was a bit unbalanced although there were some good performances, the best by Hugh Sachs. Steven Blakeley played Camrade Stagglas; this may be the worst character in the history of plays. This character was so annoying and I dreaded every time he walked on stage. I usually see every Brits off Broadway show that 59 does. Moving forward I'm going to have to research a little further before I see them.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an English drawing room comedy that touches on issues of politics and class.

Don't see it if You don't like classic well-made dramas with a generally predictable plot.

See it if you like terrific acting, great writing, and an interesting set. This drawing room comedy explores issues of class in a delightful way.

Don't see it if you are looking for something serious and pedantic. The acting is really top notch. Show is a lot of fun without being silly.

See it if English drawing room comedy about British classes facing economic downturn in early 1930's; funny characters

Don't see it if Act 2 slows as one of the main characters becomes (as described by another character) 'tiresome'. 2 fun characters in Act 1 do not appear.

Also Disappointing because I've seen other theater companies (such as Mint) put more life into old plays.... Read more Read less

See it if Almost charming, well observed story of upper class English facing crumbling of their class structure. Sometimes lovely, often stagy, light-

Don't see it if ... weight period piece notable for the lack of raillery at the situation, a keen eye for hypocrisy, and wonderful costumes.

See it if You enjoy traditional play from the 1930's that are a bit farcical.

Don't see it if If favor serious contemporary plays.

Also There is some perceptive relevance to present day human interactions and emotions.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy romantic comedies and comedy of manners from the 1930s and 1940s.

Don't see it if That seems twee to you.

Also As the penultimate line declares, “Mozart- what life ought to be like”; this play is what life ought to be like. Witty people show up with zazz, and ideas get expressed.... Read more Read less

See it if Despite the very good acting, sets & costumes, I could not get into this play. For some reason, the characters could not engage me.

Don't see it if you want any action at all. Dialog not strong enough to carry this play.

See it if you enjoy plays that are definitely "period pieces", especially one by J.B. Priestley which has neve been done in this country before.

Don't see it if you have no patience with old-fashioned plays that seem to have no relevance to our world today.

See it if like your comedies British. It's an old school show, with serious discussions of class disparity, delivered with humor and fun.

Don't see it if don't like political comedies

See it if You enjoy British theater. Loved the premise of families coming together after long separations. Lots of interesting characters.

Don't see it if You don't care for British theater.

See it if you like English drawing room comedies.

Don't see it if you want to see something serious--or a great comedy.

See it if You can't resist "Olde-Fash" British plays, even a rare, early one written by a fine playwright--J.B.Priestly, author of WHEN WE ARE MARRIED

Don't see it if & AN INSPECTOR CALLS, etc. This was tedious & confusing beyond measure & not very well played by an English theater company. Get me out!

See it if you want to see an older British play revived with a talented cast.

Don't see it if you think it's all so precious.

See it if Want to be entertained with British humor and have some good laughs. Good clean family fun.

Don't see it if Don't like British humor and aren't interested in family dramas.

See it if You like dated British 'comedy' well played by a good cast but dated and very stylized, nevertheless.

Don't see it if You can't stand the sight of the British aristocracy making idiots of themselves.

See it if Enjoy old school English comedies with a subtle hint of social parody.

Don't see it if Not interested in shows about British Society with message

See it if you'd like an amusing view of English satire of class and politics

Don't see it if vintage plays hold no interest for you

See it if like dated english plays about class with with some good acting from all english cast

Don't see it if love 59e59 brits but found this one uninteresting dated slow it was a preview so maybe the timing was off not a must see or must stay away

See it if U enjoy British humor & love English spoken well & classy social manners & styles from a bygone elegant era. U like J.B. Priestley's plays.

Don't see it if U don't like farce. U don't understand English upper.class customs. U have trouble with British accents.

Also This is a small gem among Priestley's lauded works & the NY presentation is delightful, funny & entertaining. Story is resonant as politics & money divide us.

The story centers around an upper class financier trying to cope with an investment losing climate that is ruining the comfortable lifestyle of the rich. Meanwhile at home he has to deal with personal anxieties of ending a love affair, an annoying surprise visit from a daughter not seen in years plus her Russian commoner companion who spews Communist politics & more surprises with separated wife coming plus other guests getting into each other's way & business creating farcical chaos.

The thespians gave polished performances with Protheroe in perfect character as the Lord &' Blakeley/Comrade hysterical as the straight arrowed deadpan Communist. Actresses are good but Laing/Pamela who has the plum role of instigating the many funny plot twists acted with a seemingly mean streak that was annoying rather than devilishly charming!... Read more Read less

See it if you love british comedy

Don't see it if you've grown weary of their attitudes

See it if drawing room English comedy of manners interest you and you don't mind a lot of shrill, clipped bad accents.

Don't see it if you expect to learn anything or be transported. I could barely remember what the thing was about by the time I got home.