The Night of the Iguana

Well, I want to say thanks to the staff at the Noël Coward Theatre. I had a mortifying experience yesterday, where, for the first time in many years of theatre going, my travel contingencies failed and I arrived three minutes late. The play had started on time. The staff were very pleasant and understanding, got me in minutes later and even found me a different seat where I could slip in quietly and didn't have to disrupt anyone. I still feel bad about the whole situation, but that support was greatly appreciated.

Putting that aside, Dress Circle Row E (slightly forward of my original seat) provided an excellent clear view. Probably better than the front Stalls, as the stage is high and extended with steps at the front. The sound was clear there too and the audience one of the better ones, with very little noise and movement (just a few phone checks).

This is a long play (3 hours 5 minutes, with just a 15 minute interval), so I can see why they start bang on time. I did see it around 15 years ago, but don't remember that much about it. I can't say it's a great play, I think it was of its time, but it was performed well, without overplaying the comedy. As with orchidman, Lia Williams was the stand-out performer for me too.

There were quite a few empty seats and I could easily have moved forward again if I so desired (but I was happy with the seat and the view). That's rather a shame, but it does mean that there are ticket deals available.

Was there Thursday. Was a great experience. I booked stalls row D 14 and Row D 14 is the middle of the first Row at this production.

The seat was absulutely perfect, cause the set startet at my feet. So it was immersive theater and everything was clearly in View.

Clive Owen was sometimes really good, sometimes he couldn't handle the breakouts of his character. More like a child throwing things away than an man with real problems.

Lia Williams was great. It's her play and she delivers from the first second. When she came up the stairs from the ground, I was near to jump up and help her, cause she looked quite pale.

Cause I am a fan of Tenesse Williams plays, it was a save bank for me, to watch it. But unfortunately play was a bit weak where it needed nervous breakouts.

Maybe to give the piece a sense of time and place? Clumpy as hell in this production, imo.

Very encouraged to read this positive review, but I’m seeing it from the end of Row F! The entirety of the play won’t be through bars, will it?!

Found this very enjoyable tonight - as others have said, not quite as focussed or nuanced as Williams' other work, but still has his magic of language to it. I personally found the second act far more engaging than the first. I couldn't warm to Anna Gunn or her character and I don't know whether it's the former or the latter that's to blame for that. Clive Owen was very good and could be the highlight of any other production, but next to Lia Williams all others fade away. This was the first time I've seen her perform and she had me completely transfixed. Her monologues and exchanges with Owen's character in act two were sublime. Julian Glover was brilliant in his smaller role and his delivery of the poem was fascinating and touching. The Finty Williams character and the Germans felt a little jarring but I can understand why they had to be included in the play. Brilliant direction and a wonderful design.

I saw it this afternoon and while the first half was solid, if not inspired , the second act , after an unwieldy first 15 -20 minutes became rather wonderful when the scene between Clive Owen and Lia Williams commenced. Suddenly the production clicked into place and I found it quite moving. Mr Owen's performance was uneven until it got to hat scene, while Ms Williams was damned near perfect throughout. Totally worthwhile.

I agree with the teenage girl 100%! I found the audience laughter unsettling at times. Is it really funny for a man to hit (underage) women as he faces up to the depths of his depravity after he has sex with them? Apparently some in West End audiences think it is.

I’d genuinely love to know what it is that people who enjoyed/valued this found to admire in it. Frankly, I felt annoyed at being asked to spend an evening feeling sorry for this perv. I certainly didn’t waste any more of my time dwelling on it afterwards!

I think most of the laughter came in the first act... once more details were revealed about how evil he was, I think there were far fewer jokey lines in the script and much less laughter at his behavior.  The focus shifts to "can he be rehabilitated...?" (although why we should care at that point is a perfectly valid question).  I did appreciate that the normal coda to that question "... by the love of a good woman" is flipped into something else here, at least in his relationship with Miss Jelkes.

Saw half of this today (mat). The last time I fell asleep in a theatre I was hung over while watching The Wind in The Willows - The Musical, with the kids. In that instance I'd been out till the wee small hours the night before. However, last night I got a solid eight, and yet both the wife and I were nodding after an hour. Suffice to say we did not stick around after the intermission.

What a bloody mess - I could write an essay on how poor it is. A terrible play (narrative anyone?), admittedly well produced, and with strong female performances, but dialled in by one who shall not be named (American? English? Pick one, mate!)

It MAY have been relevant at some point in the past, but what on earth possessed them to put this on now?

Very disappointed.

It's definitely one of the more intriguing triangles. How time and the scars of life changes us all!