Phaedra London Reviews and Tickets

79%
(33 Ratings)
Positive
82%
Mixed
15%
Negative
3%
Members say
Absorbing, Great acting, Intense, Entertaining, Clever

About the Show

Simon Stone's ('Yerma') reimagining of Seneca’s famous tragedy.

Read more Show less

Show-Score Member Reviews (33)

Sort by:
  • Default
  • Standing in our community
  • Highest first
  • Lowest first
  • Newest first
  • Oldest first
  • Only positive
  • Only negative
  • Only mixed
82 Reviews | 5 Followers
100
Intense, Epic, Dizzying, Ambitious, Absorbing

See it if you want intense, operatic theatre adapting a greek tragedy.

Don't see it if you don't understand this is an adaption of a tragedy and it's supposed to be melodramatic and absurd.

148 Reviews | 19 Followers
90
Thought-provoking, Raunchy, Intense, Edgy, Great staging

See it if You like Greek mythologies in a modern flavor, cutting edge sets involving a revolving glass box

Don't see it if You get annoyed by the long blackouts in between when they have to set the stage especially with the bgm

494 Reviews | 123 Followers
87
Great lead, Fast-paced, Amazing set

See it if you like to see a modern updating of a classic, with staging that simply steals the show, and surprisingly entertaining for a Greek tragedy.

Don't see it if if you're looking for something too deep, the play often has a (fun) TV drama/comedy feel to it, and most characters are not well developed. Read more

58 Reviews | 5 Followers
84
Intense, Great staging, Epic, Great acting

See it if you want to see MASTERFUL set design!

Don't see it if you are expecting a classic production.

176 Reviews | 11 Followers
73
Great staging, Great acting, Funny, Entertaining, Clever

See it if You like a new and updated classic. I found it very clever and entertaining.

Don't see it if You don't like modern interpretations of older pieces

51 Reviews | 1 Follower
69
Overrated, Great acting, Confusing

See it if you like extreme adaptations of ancient classics set in a weird glass box that obscures the actors

Don't see it if you are hoping for something refreshing that turns an old story and debunks it Read more

67 Reviews | 2 Followers
65
Intense, Ambitious, Great staging, Profound, Thought-provoking

See it if you are an experienced theatregoer looking for an insightful time in the theatre with an ambitiously interpreted story on the ancient myth.

Don't see it if you are a first-timer, not a fan of a striking plot and dramatic visual changes or a revolving set that frames the entirety of the stage. Read more

85 Reviews | 7 Followers
50
Fast paced, Intense, Great staging

See it if you like quick paced contemporary drama that feels like TV or film. Staging is unusual, also appeal to modern audiences.

Don't see it if you want classic to stay classic. It contains lots of strong languages and scene changes in pitch dark that feels be longer than necessary.

Critic Reviews (10)

BroadwayWorld
February 10th, 2023

"Performances are hypnotisingly untheatrical, navigating the deliberately cluttered dialogue effortlessly."
Read more

The London Evening Standard
February 10th, 2023

"The sheer brio of this adaptation, and the deep conviction of the cast, absolutely carry it off."
Read more

Time Out London
February 10th, 2023

" ‘Phaedra’ is neither functional as a comedy nor a tragedy, but rather a sloppy melodrama with funny bits in it."
Read more

The Guardian (UK)
February 10th, 2023

"It is visually arresting but keeps us at a distance, even in scenes of intimacy, and we remain voyeurs to the last, never allowed into Phaedra’s mind or heart."
Read more

The Telegraph (UK)
February 10th, 2023

"Janet McTeer’s fatally attracted politician crowns a night of visionary elan."
Read more

London Theatre
February 13th, 2023

"This is meaty, pugilistic, wrenching drama, anchored by an unmissable performance by McTeer."
Read more

The Times (UK)
February 10th, 2023

"This as a black comedy about desire, obsession, identity, domestic dysfunction and the lurking presence of the past and there is little to complain about. It’s a stunningly sharp, hugely entertaining evening."
Read more

The Stage (UK)
February 10th, 2023

"There’s no denying the visceral power of it all: the low blows and gut-punching nastiness, in such a rarefied arena. It doesn’t quite hang together, but it’s a hell of a ride."
Read more