Arcadia

Loved the idea of the play and the production.

A demanding play. I am not sure that I knew enough about the theories expounded in this work, but there was humour involved, interesting characters and an interesting stage.

Stoppard fans shouldn’t miss this production at the theatre named after the late playwright. This production makes a play that is often challenging a bit more accessible to those who may not be familiar with it. The actors bring the witty fast-moving script to life and the staging in the round benefits everyone. Kudos to the director who makes this play really come alive. Set and lighting original and appropriate. Give it a try - it is one of Stoppard’s best.

As an enthusiast of the script, this production was faithful when the script served, and made effective cuts to push the story forward and adjust the source to support modern values. The directorial vision was very strong, and the movement sequences and lighting choices brought the themes of the show to life. However, the sound effects were a little distracting and did not blend well with the scene. The pacing of the first act also needed adjusting, with the first scene dragging, the characters taking time to ponder rather than think on their feet, and the second scene, in contrast, rushing and leaving the key points underemphasised. However, the pacing issues were improved in act two, and this was a small matter compared to the strength of the acting in general which illuminated these characters.

NA

Thoroughly enjoyed the play, fabulous acting and wonderfully staged.

I'd waited 30 years to see Arcadia on stage, after reading it during GCSE English. It's a story with everything: history, love, dancing, poetry and maths. The production is sharp, with simple but elegant staging and lighting. Acting and directing both top notch, with some truly cinematic moments. Seeing it so soon after Tom Stoppard's death felt poignant, but if anything brought a tear to my eye (and it did) it was the sheer beauty of the show.

This is Stoppard at his best, served by intelligent and sympathetic design to focus the audience on the compelling acting. Pace, humour and a most enlightening overview of mathematical and literary concepts are woven into an absorbing family dynamic.

Thought provoking

No amount of praise would exhaust the merits or this performance of this play, but forgive an old man for choosing to mention that I could clearly understand every word.

My husband said it was the best play he had ever seen! We loved the combination of science,philosophy,wit and historical research,along with the interesting characters. Multi-layered. Could be seen many times.

Fantastic play with so many layers to uncover, performed by an excellent cast. Not 1 minute of this nearly 3 hour play felt boring. Would see it a third time!

Arcadia the best British play in the past 50 years, done well by the generally excellent young cast.

It worked so well in the round. Bit daunted at first by large numbers of school Parties but they remained engaged and responded enthusiastically to the plot and character developments. There were a lot of people coming in late which meant disruption on five or six occasions spoiling the experience for us.

It is a very thoughtful and thought provoking about the importance of knowledge in many aspects of it.

It's a great play, carried off successfully in the round, although when actors face away, it can mean some lost dialogue.

First things first. It’s a great play. A rare combination of good storytelling, clever, witty language, intellectual fireworks, thoughtful characterisation and emotional heft. The acting was generally excellent, and the lighting and stage effects were striking. But I thought the production in the round, though it was skilfully done and underlined some of the play’s themes of circularity and historical resonance, did not work well in this theatre as it compromised the set and staging and spoiled the viewing lines of some of the audience.

A very complex play on many levels, the mathematics detracts from the overall story..

The Old Vic is cramped, hot and with this show, crowded, but it is still a must see.