The Inheritance Part 1 & Part 2, Noël Coward Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until January 19, 2019


Ostensibly about a group of gay men living in the aftermath of the 80’s AIDS epidemic, this play is so much more. It explores the issues of sex and love, the individual and the community, life and death and it exposes them as false dichotomies. It shows that sex can be life affirming or nihilistic and that the doctrine of individualism is often an escape from the complexities of responsibility to a community of humanity. Ultimately, we cannot forget that death is ever present even as we must commit to life and accept ourselves as inheritors of the complex moral dilemmas of the human condition. Through often breaking the fourth wall, showing the creation of the play, using narrative and direct address to the audience, plus lots of some self-referential humour, the audience is invited to participate in what is unfolding and is not allowed to stand back from the issues explored. The acting reaches the same high standard as the writing ... Not to be missed even if the two parts add up to one long day in the theatre.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Part 1 - Wed & Sat: 1:15 pm, Mon & Thu: 7:15 pm (exception - Dec 27: 1:15 pm)
Part 2 - Tue, Wed, Fri, & Sat: 7:15 pm (exception - Dec 27: 7:15 pm)
Noël Coward Theatre
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
http://www.noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
Map & Location: 85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP, UK

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