Movies

Cyrano de Bergerac reviews: What do critics think of new play starring James McAvoy?


James McAvoy is a man of many talents and has been seen on the big and small screens as well as treading the boards. His new show, His Dark Materials, is currently airing on the BBC to rave reviews from fans and critics. Meanwhile, McAvoy is performing in a new play at the Playhouse Theatre in London: Cyrano De Bergerac. But what do critics think of his new play?

What do critics think of Cyrano De Bergerac?

So far, James McAvoy has really impressed in his new play at the Playhouse Theatre, and critics are raving about his work.

The Evening Standard, who host annual theatre awards, gave the play five stars, particularly praising McAvoy for his “stunning” performance.

Nick Curtis of the Evening Standard said: “James McAvoy gives a stunningly powerful performance in this piece of pure theatre, the most breathtakingly exciting show in London right now…

READ MORE: James McAvoy wife: How James McAvoy and ex Anne-Marie McDuff still live together

“He seizes the role with both hands, bringing aggressive swagger and charm to the character’s brawling and versifying exploits, and a bottomless anguish to his romantic plight.”

Michael Billington of The Guardian gave similar plaudits, saying: “McAvoy admirably gives us a fierce, proud, word-intoxicated Cyrano who anticipates Molière’s Alceste in The Misanthrope in his hatred of cant and who speaks for the modern writer in his detestation of VIP sponsorship. 

“Yet McAvoy also reminds us that the free-thinking Cyrano is fatally mired in self-deception.”

The Stage’s Natasha Tripney said that McAvoy “radiates charism” in the role, saying: “McAvoy’s performance is intense and emotive, even if he doesn’t totally convince as someone no woman would want to touch.”

Cyrano De Bergerac’s most recognisable feature is his nose, as he is written by playwright Edmond Rostand as having an extremely large nose which means he believes himself to be ugly.

Of course, as Tripney mentioned in her review, McAvoy is far from undesirable, but clearly his performance does not let that distract.

The Times gave the play a five star review, similarly to many others, with critic Clive Davis saying: “He [McAvoy] dominates from start to finish, even when his voice drops to the faintest of whispers. 

“His intensity is frightening.”

READ MORE: X-Men Dark Phoenix REVIEW: Spectacular finale is most MATURE of franchise since Logan

Dominic Cavendish of The Telegraph felt similarly, saying how McAvoy’s performance “left me speechless.”

He said: “James McAvoy – known to millions as Professor Xavier in the X-Men films – proves a revelation in a super-smart stripped-back Cyrano that turns the play on its head and left me speechless with admiration…

“With sparkling eyes to match scintillating outpourings, he doesn’t waste a syllable: by turns pugnacious and tender, he wears a mask of insouciance yet bursts with feeling and gnawing pain.”

The Independent’s Paul Taylor gave the play four stars, one less than most critics, with one aspect hampering his enjoyment: James McAvoy’s normal-sized nose.

He said: “There is one curious aspect to proceedings that makes me wonder if I missed something. 

“From where I was sitting, McAvoy looked to be parading a proboscis no bigger than the attractive, normal-sized one he was given by nature.”

However, he is certainly alone in being concerned by this, with every other critic speaking highly of the decision to allow McAvoy’s normal appendages to speak for themselves.

McAvoy spoke out on this issue himself, telling the BBC: “Rostand wrote a play about the power of words and the power of the imagination.

“[So we thought], let’s really test how powerful his words and imagination are and see if they can truly engage the audience.

“If we’re good enough, focused enough and disciplined enough as performers, then the audience will see a nose.”

For many critics, they definitely saw the nose.

Cyrano De Bergerac is on stage at the Playhouse Theatre until February 29



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.