The Sea Plays

Time Out“Impressively brawny production...” Indeed the vigour of the show almost threatens to out-wrestle the writing - almost, but not quite...

The Arts Desk“A vivid, violently realistic and heavily male production...” Only when the noise stops and the play is allowed to start speaking for itself – a tale of yearning to be settled, of guilty conscience as death beckons and also one of rich seafaring memories – does the evening start to take hold...

The Observer“A tremendous and unusual production...” The Old Vic Tunnels, underneath Waterloo Station, make a thrilling setting for the three short plays that launched Eugene O'Neill's career in 1916 – seen for the first time in 30 years. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and echoing...

Financial Times“Fine, hard-working ensemble of actors...” They may not be O’Neill’s greatest works, but these early plays reveal his sympathy for life’s losers and his ability to turn that into powerful drama...

Guardian“The space somewhat limits the impact of these remarkable pieces...” It's worth venturing to these tunnels beneath Waterloo station if you've never seen the plays before, but they cry out for a more hospitable venue...

The Telegraph“Superbly atmospheric production...” Superb in both its rough authenticity and sudden moments of tenderness. Book your passage now...

The Stage“Captures all the dark ironies and pathos in each short play...” O’Neill had a notoriously tin ear for dialect, but director Hoyt guides his cast to a mix of accents that not only sound accurate but contribute to the reality of the world the plays evoke...