Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme

The Independent“Not yet reviewed”

Time Out“‘Observe…’ is like an opera without music...” This production is no less disconcerting for Dove’s sturdy direction. And the whole ensemble shines in characters which reach the fullness of their humanity just before they die...

Financial Times“Not yet reviewed”

Remotegoat.co.uk“Excellent acting from the all male cast...” It is a tribute to both the play and the production that this still seems meaningful and moving today...

this is london“This revival feels apt...” McGuinness’s writing is concentrated and compassionate — especially perceptive about relationships — and the performances are bright. However, John Dove’s production is too often static, and rhetorical rather than dramatic.

The Telegraph“A finely understated - and finally stirring - look back in anguish...” Confining his account to the fortunes of eight soldiers, McGuinness’s rendering of history is selective, allusive, artful - at times too artful - but it is held together by an abiding mood of sensitivity and compassion...

Whatsonstage.com“Not yet reviewed”

Guardian“The form of the play is certainly original...” The best scenes in the play remain as powerful as ever. But time has altered our perspective. While McGuinness plausibly shows the present invaded by the past, he never acknowledges that the tragedy of the Somme...

The Stage“It's a solid production...” McGuinness has also managed to capture the domestic tragedy that lies across the horror and scale of WWI. McGuinness’ writing and characterisation is sure-footed and John Dove’s direction clears a path for the characters to walk...

The Times“The design could do more to nail the despoliation of war...” John Dove’s sturdy if unsubtle production tends towards histrionics rather than keeping its characters’ anxieties on a taut leash...