The Judas Kiss

The Stage“Beautifully emotional...” Rupert Everett is an interesting and ultimately successful choice to play Oscar Wilde in this revival of David Hare’s 1998 imagining of the great Irish playwright and wit’s last years.

Exeunt“It takes a while for Rupert Everett’s performance as Wilde to warm up...” It’s this second half which provides the emotional charge that the play requires and – with the exception of an achingly tender exchange between Ross and Wilde – is largely absent from the first half.

Financial Times“Elegant, if a little overdone” Hare's wild is a blend of his own time and ours: fond of epigrams and affectation, but, when speaking plainly, abrasively sarcastic. (He is also far from free of anachronistic turns of phrase.) Rupert Everett is well cast in the role.

Whatsonstage.com“Thoughtfully revived...” But nevertheless, Everett holds us in the palm of his hand as the centrepiece of an evening rich in detail (particular credit belongs to designer Dale Ferguson's fabric-infused settings) and fitting testament to one of the greatest characters...

The Independent“A deeper and more affecting impression...” As a result, the belief expressed by Hare’s Wilde that “the truth of a person is only visible through love” sounds less like a visionary insight than certifiable self-deception.

Evening Standard“A rich resonant piece...” One of the many delights of Neil Armfield’s whip-sharp production is the distinct mood that he carves for each act.

The Arts Desk“A so-so David Hare revival...” There are moments of poignancy as Wilde and Bosie part for the last time, but the true nature of their relationship is never fully evinced and we are left to ponder how an extraordinary man was laid low by such a shallow human being.

Time Out“Sex is not the issue, society is...” Some argued that casting was a weakness of the original West End production of 'The Judas Kiss'. But it's just one of many strengths in Armfield's well-paced, funny and poignant production.

The Telegraph“A remarkable man making ordinary, necessary choices.... ” The Judas Kiss still stands arrestingly disrobed before us, all the same, as a scintillating play of ideas whose power stealthily increases.

Guardian“Rupert Everett gives the performance of his career...” I was moved by Hare's searching portrait of a one-sided love that for Wilde proved to be salvation and destroyer alike.