She Stoops to Conquer

Financial Times“A generous comedy...” The flaw in the production is that it works too hard, belabouring the fun in places so that a degree of romp fatigue sets in. But this is a droll evening of affectionate comedy...

The Observer“What a richly written thing Goldsmith produces...” Kelly has already attracted her own fans to the stalls, where they have not been disappointed. Fresh as a daisy – dainty but knowing, arch and elegant – she is part of a new National...

The Independent“A handsome production...” Leaves a fair bit to be desired, with some of the cast beginning dull and stiff, including Kelly herself and Steve Pemberton (from The League of Gentlemen) as Hardcastle. Elsewhere, the supporting performances go so over-the-top...

Evening Standard“It's joyous stuff - broad yet polished...” Best of all is Sophie Thompson, who is show-stealingly good as Mrs Hardcastle, an occasionally ghastly yet all too human figure - farcically pretentious and easily duped. Her performance, finely tuned and generous, typifies this sublime account...

The Stage“A rollicking, fantastically funny production...” There’s no loss of detail in the hurtling momentum he achieves with this blissful comedy of romantic and social mismatches and affectations...

Guardian“Goldsmith's great comedy restored to its rightful place in the repertory...” Jamie Lloyd's production is a collective success which leaves the theatre echoing with the sound of the audience's happiness...

Whatsonstage.com“Another solid South Bank hit...” His trump card is in the casting of Harry Hadden-Paton as Marlow, a performance of quite unusual technical assurance, sincerity, skill and outstanding comic flair...

Daily Mail“What it lacks is the soul...” Luxuriantly staged, extravagantly acted, the big new London production of She Stoops To Conquer leaves little to chance. Large cast, elaborate sets, musical touches: here is a show with its eyes popped wide in determination to amuse. Read more: h

The Arts Desk“A delightful and warm-hearted comedy of manners...” Lloyd avoids overdoing the modern parallels - although they are there to be drawn, of course - and instead gives full vent to Goldsmith's description of his work as “a laughing comedy”, which serves to reminds us what a great play this is...

The Telegraph“Fresh, spirited and often blissfully funny...” At its best this is a great night of high English comedy and when the cast settle down, I suspect it will be even better...