Many Roads to Paradise

Finborough Theatre 10 June - 05 July 2008 by Whippet Productions in Association with Icarus Theatre Collective Many Roads to Paradise By Stewart Permutt or better: 5 out of 5 reviews

Creative Team Play Information Sound Bites Reviews

Sound Bites

"Comic invention, wit and pathos."
"Permutt's unique talent consists of the invention of troubled but very funny characters... and his gift for comedy dialogue and pathos has never been so well exploited as in this, the latest of his offerings."
"Amanda Boxer has a most rewarding role as Avril, with her superbly timed acerbic dialogue that gets a laugh every time she speaks."
"Helen is superbly played by Gillian Hanna."
"Hidden talents and surprises."
"Daniel Hill gives a carefully considered performance."
"Towering above them all is the wonderful Miriam Karlin who uses a whole range of emotions from ecstasy to anger to sadness to wistfulness."
"Anthony Biggs... brings out every ounce of comedy."
"Permutt has reason to be proud of this treatment of his work and the artists who have served him so well."

-Aline Waites, Remotegoat

"Miriam Karlin is an uncomfortably credible, ancient Stella, as fragile as she is vile."
"Stewart Permutt pulls any number of stinging and salient themes from his seemingly drab setting."
"Avril is a vituperative viper of a long term lover."
"Daniel Hill is perfectly harried as the middle-aged Martin."
"A rare, real and heart-warming find."

-Lucy Powell, Time Out

"Special mention must go to Miriam Karlin as the octogenarian Mother from hell."
"A sharp wit."
"A classic British farce."
"There is something here that everyone can relate to."
"The cast work together beautifully."
"In the intimate surroundings of the Finborough, you could have heard a pin drop during most of the time [Miriam Karlin] was on stage."
"Daniel Hill has the perfect blend of humour and vulnerability."
"Gillian Hanna is utterly lovable."
"If you’re looking for some genuine laughs, coupled with real poignancy and heart, this is the play for you."

-Theo Bosanquet, What's On Stage

"A super play that is both hilariously funny and so very tragically sad."
"Miriam Karlin heads a super cast."
"Amanda Boxer and Gillian Hanna are superb as the world-weary lesbian couple."
"Danny Hill creates a guilt-ridden, downtrodden Gaydar voyeur."
"Brilliant comic timing and complete command of every moment."
"Danny Hill is the excellent choice."
"Jason Wing’s simmering and slightly anarchic Theo."
"Elizabeth Uter is the young star of the show who lovingly and believably calms, cajoles and protects the inimitable Stella."
"Director, Anthony Biggs, navigates the play and the tiny stage with artistry and skill."
"The sadness and desolation of lonely lives to sit in the pit of the stomach once the laughter has long faded."
"Beck Rainford’s intimate and multi-locational design is as beautiful as it is functional."
"This play should be seen by everyone."
"Fine acting by the strongest of casts."
"Witty and engaging dialogue."
"Remarkably realised by Anthony Biggs and his team."
"You would pay a lot of money in the West End for a class act like this, so why not pop along to the Finborough and find out what great nights are made of."
"The are, indeed, many roads to paradise, and Stuart Permutt’s play is one of them."

-Gene David Kirk, UK Theatre Web

"This play is considerably greater than the sum of its parts."
"The dialogue acutely reflects the rhythms and language of real speech, and is often breathtakingly funny."
"The acting is astonishingly well-observed."
"As Martin, Daniel Hill combines a beautifully Eeyorish demeanour with a radiant good nature and impeccable manners."
"Amanda Boxer as Avril has the kind of comic timing I could cheerfully have watched for hours."
"Gifted by Permutt with lines of the most fabulous malice, all delivered in a voice that could engrave crystal at thirty paces."
"It's Miriam Karlin as Stella who's most touching: this actress in her ninth decade grasps the arms of her wheelchair with shivering hands, and her bones are visible through tissue-paper skin."
"This is no Werther's Originals view of old age: the playwright has understood that character - with every bit of kindness, spite, disappointment, hope - remains undiminished even when the mind fails."
"Deeply compassionate."
"This play and its excellent cast deserve a transfer to a larger venue."

-Sarah Perry, OMH Music

"No frills, no bells and whistles, no excuses. This play is, well, there’s no other way to say it – EXCELLENT!"
"Six actors individually and collectively bring a great piece of writing to life."
"How Elizabeth Uter as careworker Sadia takes kindness, patience and integrity to almost saintly heights."
"Avril, stunningly portrayed by Amanda Boxer."
"A tiny set, cleverly devised by Beck Rainford."
"The lighting and sound are discreet as befits a venue as small as The Finborough, but expertly appropriate."
"Seamless."
"Every scene confronts us with a mixture of emotions, hidden or raw."
"You can reach out and touch the emotional atmosphere."
"Stewart Permutt’s writing is skillfully accurate."
"This play could do more to destroy prejudice than many do-gooders shoving leaflets into our hands or staging rock concerts for charity."

-Julienne Banister, Rogues & Vagabonds

"Savagely funny."
"It is a delight to see Miriam Karlin back in action."
"Director Anthony Biggs keeps the action moving rapidly."
"This is a production that concentrates on the actors."

-Howard Loxton, The British Theatre Guide

"Anthony Biggs’ production is admirably subtle."
"Superb."
"Strong performances amongst cast."

-Natasha Tripney, The Stage

"Full of warmth and wit and affection."
"An admirably unsentimental view of old age."
"The cast are superb."

-Natasha Tripney, Interval Drinks Blogspot