Apollo Theatre

How did the revival of The Audience fare on the West End

Raise the West End flags; the Queen is back in residence!

We have assembled the critics responses to deliver you the overall verdict on the show.

Reviews Round Up

 Our review "Much of the play’s comedy stems from the portrayal of each PM in a series of endearing caricatures"

Michael Billington - The Guardian "Scott Thomas gives a highly accomplished performance that veers between mischievous irony and icy hauteur."

Henry Hitchings - Evening Standard "Stephen Daldry’s production, opulently designed by Bob Crowley, has a palatial sense of spectacle."
Mark Shenton - The Stage "Masterfully directed by Stephen Daldry, this stage portrait of the Queen is wry and revealing.
Dominic Cavendish – The Telegraph "The play is still a rewrite short of bejewelled perfection...Still, the star of the night gives us a glorious sense of the Queen at different ages."

Andrzej Lukowski - Time Out "It’s hard to really see what further wisdom ‘The Audience’ has to offer beyond an approving nod towards a reign well-conducted."

Michael Covney - WhatsOnStage "Stephen Daldry's smart production and Bob Crowley's ingenious setting of the receding perspectives in Buckingham Palace are still in good order, and the costume and wig changes remain a technical wonder.
Dominic Maxwell - The Times "It takes right-royal nerve to replace Helen Mirren in one of her most celebrated roles, yet Kristin Scott Thomas pulls it off. "

Critics verdict:

Overall it seems like the critics were impressed by the show, feeling Kristin Scott Thomas was a suitable replacement for Helen Mirren. Many praised Stephen Daldry's direction and Bob Crowley's bold designs. The Corgis seemed a big hit too!