The Misanthrope

The Stage“Knightly plays Jennifer with an arrogant strength...” Somehow Alceste's tragedy, that superficiality has an almost evolutionary advantage over honesty, is eclipsed. Lewis doesn’t do enough to make Alceste the anti-hero he should be. Rather, he’s somewhat of a pathetic figure...

The Times“In his avidity to update, Crimp sometimes diminishes Molière...” Knightley catches the waywardness, occasionally the steel behind the velvety manner, the narcissistic love of attention, but not the authority to explain how she can dominate a gathering by more than beauty...

this is london“A watchable though imperfectly focused production...” Knightley brings a glossy self-possession to the part. She doesn’t project sufficiently, but overall convinces as a smart young woman cocooned in what Alceste dubs “an ante-room to hell”...

Whatsonstage.com“The actual translation isn’t a patch on Tony Harrison’s for the Nationa” The references are sometimes strained beyond the perimeters of character, but Knightley sails serenely through, pretty as ever, her limited technique no bar to total comprehension of where she’s coming from...

The Independent“A uniformly excellent cast...” It's a tonic to report that Knightley turns in a performance that is not only strikingly convincing but, at times, rather thrilling in its satiric aplomb...

The Telegraph“This would be a hit without Knightley. With her, it becomes unmissable...” She makes you realise why Damian Lewis’s splendid Alceste is so obsessed with the movie star, even though she represents everything he despises. There is a mystery to Knightley’s allure, and an endearing streak of mischief in her portrayal...

Guardian“Crimp's version, for all its topical zest, is a shadow of the original...” Knightley brings to the role fine, sculpted features, palpable intelligence and a nice mix of faux-innocence and flirtiness. Even if she doesn't always know what to do with her hands, she gives a perfectly creditable performance...

Remotegoat.co.uk“Not yet reviewed”

Time Out“Not yet reviewed”

Financial Times“Not yet reviewed”