THE HAYSTACK: ★★★★ FROM THE STAGE
Posted on 7 February 2020.
Posted in: Main Stage

The Haystack review at Hampstead Theatre, London – ‘whip-smart new thriller’
THEO BOSANQUET, THE STAGE
'Roxana Silbert became artistic director of Hampstead Theatre eight months ago, but this is the first production she has tackled herself. It’s a smart choice, a tense technological thriller from Al Blyth that raises pertinent questions about the implications of state surveillance.'
'The drama... grips like a vice.'
'Oliver Johnstone and Rona Morison are highly impressive in the central roles, and their chemistry fizzes. Enyi Okoronkwo captures Zef’s paradoxical mix of creepiness and high-mindedness, while Lucy Black and Sarah Woodward fittingly mirror each other as the conflicted Guardian editor and overbearing GCHQ boss.'
'Tom Piper’s neatly overlapping design incorporates several large screens, which drop in and out of the action.'
'...considering this is Blyth’s first full-length play it is extremely accomplished, and waves urgent red flags about how quickly good intentions in our ultra-connected age can go very badly wrong. It certainly bodes well for Silbert’s tenure.'
To read the full review visit The Stage online here.
The Haystack runs on the Main Stage until 7 March.
Latest from Twitter:
-
Hampstead Theatre @Hamps_Theatre
RT @BhavnaMistry108: Loved seeing #HTLotusBeauty @Hamps_Theatre this evening, superb performances by all the actors and direction by @poojg…
3 days ago -
Hampstead Theatre @Hamps_Theatre
'Women come, women go. We pamper them, preen them, make them beautiful. Make small talk. Never know what’s really u… https://t.co/Bz46UfPxWH
5 days ago -
Hampstead Theatre @Hamps_Theatre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from The Understudy (@theunderstudy_) for Naomi Wallace's #HTBreach. See this 'excellent cast' on the Mai… https://t.co/CiMUiQC5Rv
5 days ago
KEEPING YOU SAFE AT HAMPSTEAD

RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE

FACE MASKS ENCOURAGED

STATE OF THE ART VENTILATION

ENHANCED CLEANING

CONTACTLESS TICKETS

HAND SANITISING STATIONS

CASHLESS PAYMENT