Best of Enemies (Young Vic) London Reviews and Tickets

84%

(6 Ratings)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Clever, Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Profound

About the Show

James Graham's new play examining the shift of debates and political campaigning to TV screens.

Based on the Morgan Neville and Robert Gordan documentary which focuses on the 1968 presidential race. "Best of Enemies" is an exploration of the way in which the public's relationship with political figures changed drastically with the introduction of television into the realm of politics. Written by James Graham ('Labour of Love', 'Quiz'). Jeremy Herrin ('This House') directs.

Show-Score Member Reviews (6)

75%

Absorbing, Clever, Entertaining, Great Acting, Intense

See it if you are interested in how the political TV debates came to be and enjoy innovative staging concepts

Don't see it if you have a problem with diversity casting that interferes with the plot line

80%

Absorbing, Clever, Great Acting, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if You want great actors

Don't see it if You want musical or dancing

86%

Clever, Entertaining, Great Staging, Insipid, Profound

See it if You like political, thought provoking shows

Don't see it if You don't know much about US political history

70%

Dated

See it if You enjoy American politics and intense male egos on stage.

Don't see it if You want something entertaining or thrilling. Or are simply not interested in American politics.

95%

Absorbing, Clever, Entertaining, Great Acting, Great Writing

See it if very much a political drama, based on fact and very absorbing, excellent acting

Don't see it if if you are not a fan of American politics

90%

Absorbing, Clever, Entertaining

See it if you want to learn about the Buckley Jr./Vidal relationship leading up to the 1968 Democratic National Convention or just want fine acting.

Don't see it if the thought of a play about American culture and politics of the late 1960s makes you snooze, top notch acting notwithstanding. Read more

Critic Reviews (5)

For a previous production

Herrin’s production, co-produced by Headlong Theatre, is dynamic but rough around the edges, with some small fluffs on opening night. But a slightly imperfect new James Graham play will always be streets ahead of the competition.
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For a previous production

Graham has given us a raw, exciting and timely piece about how we have forgotten how to listen to each other.
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For a previous production

No playwright has a scalpel as sharp as James Graham’s when it comes to dissecting politics; he has a brilliance and edge that strips away all unnecessary material till the beating heart of the matter is revealed.
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For a previous production

But for a show that is technically slick throughout (and features an insanely impressive ensemble cast), the most thrilling moments come during the TV debates, when the archive clips are replaced with a live feed being filmed on stage.
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For a previous production

Graham proves that he stands with [Aaron] Sorkin as our best dramatic interpreters of the interplay of media and politics.
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Trailer

Creative team