Takin' Over the Asylum

Guardian“If there's a weakness, it's that the stakes rarely feel high enough...” The show is funny and sad, but the story fights shy of the extremes of comedy and tragedy. Mark Thomson's Citz/Lyceum co-production, however, is blessed with a strong ensemble cast...

The Telegraph“The play clicks along at a rewardingly fast pace...” In refashioning her screenplay as a contemporary, two-hour stage play – Franceschild has, while maintaining the comedy and humanity of the TV series, added a fascinating new dimension to her drama...

The Stage“The representation of mental illness is sentimental...” Franceshild’s script is full of broad humour, and the characters are sympathetic - it is a mark of the cast’s talent that the moments of sadness are briefly as emphatic as the comedy. Takin’ Over the Asylum is a grand entertainment...

Whatsonstage.com“Robertson slots into the role well but it’s Vernal who shines...” Franceschild has indeed been successful in transferring the show from screen to stage. All the elements were there – great writing, good music, a collection of fabulous characters facing unenviable challenges and a well structured story...