Chariots of Fire

Financial Times“Send a tingle down the spine...” “Most people didn’t get a ticket for the Olympics,” [Hall] says, laughing. “So if you didn’t get a ticket for the Olympics, you can get a ticket for this.”

The Telegraph“Perfectly adequate...” The performances are perfectly adequate but, by and large, they aren’t quite as good as those in the movie. It’s the theatrical equivalent of listening to a disappointing cover version of a favourite pop song.

The Stage“Unquestionably the fittest cast (in every sense) in London....” Striving for Olympic gold achieves a solid theatrical silver-it’s both well dramatised and especially niftily physicalised, but the outcome is a given. Putting athletics races onstage where the result is known inevitably reduces the dramatic tensio

The Independent“Could have been more electrifying...” Hall commendably makes choppy scenes fluid, overlapping them like a relay race, but some character developments seem rushed in Mike Bartlett's adaptation of Colin Welland's screenplay.

The Observer“An unmissable theatrical offering....” If director Edward Hall was ever daunted there is no sign of it now. His fantastically enjoyable production of Chariots of Fire is a triumph of will that is in keeping with the spirit of the story it tells.

Guardian“An ensemble triumph...” The cast is as fit as a string band's worth of fiddles. James Mcardle also conveys Abrahams's relentless pursuit of perfection, Jack Lowden is suitably uncompromising as Liddell.

Time Out“A pitch-perfect adaptation...” James McArdle and Jack Lowden shine as the two leads; Nicholas Woodeson is excellent as Abrahams's moustachioed coach, Sam Mussabini; and Tam Williams, as Lord Lindsey, deserves a special mention for his prowess at clearing hurdles...