The Visit - NT

Zero blood. Blood zero.

I saw it on Moday too. Leslie Manville and Hugo Weaving (such a delight to meet V from V for Vendetta...) were great, but I agree that it is too long and I think that Kushner' adaptation adds unnecessary stuff (mostly about Greek mythology) and thus dilutes the sense of uneasiness that the original version has. I wonder why Kushner decided to change the setting to an American town but left all the other geographical references as in the original play (so going from Slurry to Hamburg is hardly something that seems logical and straighforward).

National’s website says it’s 3hr 40 now so will finish 10.40pm. I’m there tonight!

How long is each interval, please?

Are yellow shoes and 'eunuchs' still involved?

So roughly 3 x 60-70 min blocks? Seems bearable.

Alas I left at first interval last night - I didn't hate it, but just couldn't face two more hours and a very late journey home.

Lesley Manville and (especially) Hugo Weaving are very good and I would have liked to have seen how the action played out, but it wasn't holding my interest enough to justify my staying, especially given the general tone of the comments that I've read suggesting the first part is the best. Perhaps a stripped down production somewhere like the Almeida would have worked better for me.

My fault for not booking a matinee - and for forgetting how much I dislike the cavernous Olivier - even though I was in the 6th row of the stall, I still felt distant from the action. Heaven knows what it is like from the back of the gallery.

Brief show stop near the end tonight c/o the drum revolve (which was making some ominous metallic crunching noises a few times throughout).

Overall I enjoyed though it could do with some trimming. Some parts are very self indulgent, particularly towards the end. The intervals/breaks do help in making it feel manageable.

It's a great example of the NT throwing everything at a show... Big budget, big cast, very flashy.

I was also there last night and found it thoroughly engaging. At no time did I feel it was over indulgent or belaboured its themes. The dialogue is quintessentially Kushner. Acid remarks punctuating rural mores and sanctimony. It's a witty essay on the price of debt. Whether its money or a moral grievance there's a price for its restitution. My companion felt the first third was a little stilted. By contrast, I felt it moved at a pleasing clip, an enormous cast were swiftly introduced and left a lasting impression. Lesley Manville's performance is world weary ennui personified. She lights up the stage to the extent you're a time impatiently waiting for her to return. Hugo Weaving, in a necessarily less showy role, is her match as the bluff disappointed romantic Alfred. If you're umming and ahhing over the running time, don't let it be a consideration. Two world class performers at the top of their game doesn't happen that often on the Southbank.

Oh I keep harping on about the Kander and ebb version, which is so deliciously strange and absurd - and only 90 minutes I think, without an interval?

FINALLY a £15 matinee came up for this...unfortunately it's the same day I have the Welkin in the evening.

My back is gonna be toast!

Website says 3 hours 30 minutes now.