‘a fruitful re-imagining’ - The Age
'The cast is excellent' - The Sunday Herald Sun
Snug in the little bolthole he has found for himself in Meg’s seaside boarding house, Stanley can forget the failures of the past and indulge his comforting fantasies. But when two new lodgers come to stay, a chill shadow falls across his cosy life. Who are they? And why are they so keen to celebrate his birthday?
No one is safe. Harold Pinter’s first major play, The Birthday Party was met with general incomprehension when it was first performed in London in 1957, but now we recognise a classic post-war drama.
Photography: Earl Carter and Jodie Hutchinson
Warning: This production contains strobe lighting effects.
Director Julian Meyrick's response to reviews of The Birthday Party
'Theatre, a public art form, is tough, messy and relentless. You shouldn’t be too thin-skinned about reactions to your work, not if you want to stay sane.' To read this article click here.
The Australian
'Harold Pinter is a masterly sculptor of emotional space. His plays carve out the relationships between people, stripping away the social mask to reveal the animal roots of human behaviour.' Read full article
City Search
'Directed by Julian Meyrick and starring Glenn Shea and Isaac Drandic, Pinter's play - variously described as an exemplar of theatre of the absurd and comedy of menace - is given a bold reworking by the MTC cast.' Read full article
White Whale
'I would urge everyone to see this production. It’s rare enough that we get to see Pinter on the mainstage; even more so with such an unconventional cast.' Read full article
Audience Feedback
'the best play I've seen this season ... utterly thought provoking.' Bron, Camberwell
'I loved that everyone in our group came out with different interpretations on the play. The message wasn't served up on a plate, everyone came up with their own interpretation and understanding.' Helen, Canterbury
'Pinter's writing is sometimes difficult to grapple with. The cast should be congratulated for bringing the play to life with such originality.' Vanessa, Port Melbourne
HAVE YOUR SAY
What did you think of this production? Share your comments about the show - simply email your feedback to info@mtc.com.au.