Joshua McGuire

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, review

It's 50 years since the West End debut of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and the Old Vic has tried to sprinkle a bit of magic over its latest revival, bringing in Harry Potter himself to tackle one of the leads.

Review: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

I liked the way it uses the entire depth of the Old Vic stage, bringing the action as far forward as it can, while placing its effects at the back, and dividing the space with silk curtains but it occasionally over-complicates the action, particularly in the second half.

Review: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

As with most of Stoppard's work, some advance understanding of the play, or in this case, of Hamlet, is helpful. Otherwise you may find yourself as confused as confused as Rosencrantz and Guildernstern as to what is actually happening.

It's a sturdy lineup for Mr Norton, who currently appears to have no competition whatsoever in the talkshow stakes. Tonight sees Tom Hiddleston chatting about new movie Kong: Skull Island; Ruth Wilson talking about Hedda Gabler at the National Theatre; Ricky Gervais on his new standup tour; and Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire on appearing in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead at London's Old Vic. Oh, and Tinie Tempah playing live.