Reviews
Reviews
UK Theatre Web: 20Jan05: 
I saw this play in early January and I can't see what the fuss is about. Christian Slater was more In-Your-Face agressive than the happy-go-lucky yet imposing part it is meant to be, but somehow still managed a mediocre performance. Mackenzie Crook was weak as Billy (not enough stutters - must try harder), but had redeeming moments. Nurse Ratched was the only brilliant performance of the show to my mind. She delivered her speech well and really had us hating her. UK Theatre Web: 29Dec04:
I had high hopes for this play....unfortunately, I found the stage adaptation unimaginative and the acting second rate at times. Don't get me wrong, the play is entertaining....but worthy of the expensive ticket price and a standing ovation, I fear not. I am suprised at the other responses posted on this website, is the general public demanding enough? UK Theatre Web: 10Nov04:
It was ok nothing to good. Christian Slaters performance as McMurphy wasn't very believable and at most times he was acted off the stage by his co stars. And through out it was difficult to understand the chief as when he was remebering his past i failed to hear much of this. Mackenzie Crooks was very convincing as Billy and amnaged to deliver a thrilling performance this was the only good thing about it. UK Theatre Web: 20Sep04:
rubish
User Reviews
USER (24Jan05): Christian Slater was absolutey superb and totally believeable as McMurphy, and the production as a whole was great. Hardly noticed Mackenzie Crook as Billy though and Frances Barber slightly over acted as Nurse Ratched. Slater though, was inspired.
USER (23Jan05): oh my god. i saw the last performance they did of this last night and it was absolutly frickin' brilliant! christian slater was so bloody good and really proves he can act. and he takes his shirt off. man oh man that bit was good. but in all seriousness it was amazing, i just wish i could go see it again, sigh. love from gemma in essex, xxx. p.s. christian slater, if your reading this, well done, man, you really nade the part your own.
USER (20Jan05): I saw this play in early January and I can't see what the fuss is about. Christian Slater was more In-Your-Face agressive than the happy-go-lucky yet imposing part it is meant to be, but somehow still managed a mediocre performance. Mackenzie Crook was weak as Billy (not enough stutters - must try harder), but had redeeming moments. Nurse Ratched was the only brilliant performance of the show to my mind. She delivered her speech well and really had us hating her.
USER (29Dec04): I had high hopes for this play....unfortunately, I found the stage adaptation unimaginative and the acting second rate at times. Don't get me wrong, the play is entertaining....but worthy of the expensive ticket price and a standing ovation, I fear not. I am suprised at the other responses posted on this website, is the general public demanding enough?
USER (18Dec04): Saw this last night and really enjoyed it. I thought everyone played their parts well, although do have to agree with the comments about the Chief - his voice was almost laughable and was very difficult to understand. Nurse Ratched had a menacing presence, Christian Slater made McMurphy his own and Mackenzie Crook was perfect as Billy. Recommended.
USER (10Dec04): I loved the play. Beware students...the older gentlemen that works at the box office is extremely rude-try not to deal with him if possible. And try for student tickets on thursday afternoons.
USER (25Nov04): amazing- christian slater performed amazingly (not jack but 2nd best). Frances Barber was breathtaking! the only let down was the performance by the chief, couldnt understand what he was say and was not very believable.
USER (11Nov04): Me and my mummy went to see it it was the bestest play ever. Philip Letley aged 16
USER (10Nov04): I loved the play it was great as did my girlfriend Rachel we both belived that it was very convincing. Phil Letley xxx
USER (10Nov04): It was ok nothing to good. Christian Slaters performance as McMurphy wasn't very believable and at most times he was acted off the stage by his co stars. And through out it was difficult to understand the chief as when he was remebering his past i failed to hear much of this. Mackenzie Crooks was very convincing as Billy and amnaged to deliver a thrilling performance this was the only good thing about it.
USER (08Nov04): Absolutely awsome....simply cant understand why people would *rubbish* this. I felt it had power, especially in the final scenes. The Chief acting as narator was a unique touch, and gave it its own feel away from the movie. Even actors in the back ground added their own part to the play, it is unfair to compare this to the film. It deserves to stand on its own. Well done everyone involved.
USER (29Oct04): It was Ok but nothing spectacular. It lacked real power. Unfortunately I found it almost impossible to understand anything siad by Adrian Hope as the Chief which spoilt things for me. I found I switched off whenever he was involved in the action which was detrimental to the whole play. However Owen O'Neill as Harding was incredibly impressive as were the other patients. Slater was OK and Mackenzie Crook was passabel. Frances Barber was very scary though!!!! She will probably win something for her portrayal of Nurse Ratched.
USER (28Sep04): Fabulous performance from the entire cast. Frances Barber's Nurse Ratched is a wonderful combination of lingering menace and simmering sexuality. Christian Slater does a good job of making the role his own. Very funny in parts and, of course, immensely moving and thought provoking. A wonderful evening's entertainment.
USER (20Sep04): rubish
USER (17Sep04): Wonderful. Christian Slater has the charisma not only to step into Jack Nicholson's shoes but to make this character his own. Other performances were also exceptional such as Owen O'Neill whose subtle portrayal of Harding proves him a sophisticated actor as well as stand up comic. A thought provoking yet very humorous production - a great night out!
USER (14Sep04): One Who Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is not to be missed. The performances by all the actors were exceptional. Christian Slater is on 'full form' depicting McMurphy perfectly. I have seen the film[Nicholson] and prior stage performance[Douglas]based on Kesey's novel, but this was the best.
In addition, I would like add that the venue was a wonderful experience in itself. The staff at the diminutive yet elegant Gielgud were always friendly and helpful.
So, I would highly recommend 'One Who Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' to anyone wanting to get full value for their money. One of the best plays I've seen in ages.
Chief Bromden, half American-Indian, whom the authorities believe is deaf and dumb, tells the story of a mental institution ruled by Big Nurse on behalf of the all-powerful Combine. Into the terrifying grey world comes McMurphy, a brawling gambling man, who wages total war on behalf of his cowed fellow inmates. What follows is at once hilarious and heroic, tragic and ultimately liberating. Ken Kesey's first novel was published in 1962 and was adapted for the state in 1963 by Dale Wasserman. It was produced successfully on Broadway starring Kirk Douglas and subsequently became an Oscar winning film directed by Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson.
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