✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

You have reached the limit of free articles.


To enjoy unlimited access to Culture Whisper sign up for FREE.
Find out more about Culture Whisper

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy

Each week, we send newsletters and communication featuring articles, our latest tickets invitations, and exclusive offers.

Occasional information about discounts, special offers and promotions.


OR
LOG IN

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

Thanks for signing up to Culture Whisper.
Please check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to verify your account.



EXPLORE CULTURE WHISPER
✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy
Forgot your username or password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy, which includes our Cookie Use

Support Us Login
  • Home
  • Going Out
    • Things to do
    • Food & Drink
    • Theatre
    • Visual Arts
    • Cinema
    • Kids
    • Festival
    • Gigs
    • Dance
    • Classical Music
    • Opera
    • Immersive
    • Talks
  • Staying In
    • TV
    • Books
    • Cook
    • Podcast
    • Design
    • Netflix
  • Life & Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Gifting
    • Wellbeing
    • Lifestyle
    • Shopping
    • Jewellery
  • Explore
  • Shopping
  • CW SHOPS
  • Support Us
  • Get Started
  • Tickets
  • CW SHOPS
Get the Best of London Life, Culture and Style
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
Theatre

X, Royal Court Theatre review ★★★★★

30 Mar 16 – 07 May 16, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

X is a tender, chilling and astoundingly human story about space by Alistair McDowall, playwright of the moment

By CW Contributor on 7/4/2016

4 CW readers are interested
Royal Court Theatre: X by Alistair McDowall
Royal Court Theatre: X by Alistair McDowall
X, Royal Court Theatre review 5 X, Royal Court Theatre review Christina Kruse
It’s remarkable how a story set in the furthest reaches of our galaxy can feel so hauntingly close to home.


In playwright Ali McDowall’s dystopian near future a crew of astronauts are waiting to be picked up from a research mission on Pluto. Tipped askew at an angle, the stage frames everything with disorientation.


Though the setting is pure science fiction, the action is utterly pedestrian: bouncing a ball over and over again, anxiety eating, playing board games. At first characters feel clichéd and their dialogue is flat – and therein lies the brilliance.


The otherness starts subtly with offhand remarks about a ravaged earth and the blonde Americans colonising Mars. People are tempted to Pluto for tax benefits. But the wry comedy and the playful take on sci fi conventions spirals into tension.


Vice Captain Gilda, played deftly by Jessica Raine, is increasingly overwrought with the fear that nobody will come. Reality and rationality begin to splinter. The first half ends with heart-hammering, horror movie intensity.




Ria Zmitrowicz and Jessica Raine (photo by Tristram Kenton)


Then, like a black hole, the story sucks you in leaves you discombobulated and defenceless. The titular 'X', that unknown value, is first an algebraic symbol to track time when all the clocks break. In the constant darkness of Pluto, all measure of time is lost.


Then ‘X’ is a mind-boggling enactment of uncertainty. Dialogue loses identity and those hollow remarks gain new significance with each repetition. All absolute values are eroded.


The intelligence of McDowall’s writing is astounding, and it’s complimented by a bold, brave production. Under Vicky Featherstone’s direction X pushes the limits of what audiences can endure. One particular scene is an assault on the senses. But there’s enough narrative momentum to keep you hooked.


It's far from an easy, pleasant watch. X challenges the nature of performance and story-telling, undermining assumptions. But what’s so striking is the tender, chilling way in which McDowall animates the very nature of lucidity, memory and meaning. It's clever enough to leave you reeling, without veering into abstraction and alienating audiences.



find the best plays on now in london


Click here to read our interview with Ali McDowall


by Lucy Brooks

What X, Royal Court Theatre review
Where Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS | MAP
Nearest tube Sloane Square (underground)
When 30 Mar 16 – 07 May 16, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price £20, £15 concession
Website Click here to book via Royal Court Theatre



Most popular

Things to do in London this weekend: 27–29 January
Things to do in London this weekend: 27–29 January
Culture After Dark: The Best Museum Late Night Openings
Culture After Dark: the best museum late-night openings
London Theatre Guide: best plays on now in London (Photograph: Peter Lewicki)
London Theatre Guide: best plays on now in London, 2023

Editor's Picks


  • SIXTY YEARS YOUNG

    Fresh and established writers feature in a new season of theatre for the Royal Court's 60th year

    VICKY FEATHERSTONE INTERVIEW

    Head of the Royal Court shares her hotly-tipped new talents and reflects on sexism in theatre

    KATIE MITCHELL AT THE BARBICAN

    The maverick director brings pioneering multimedia play about women and war to London

    LORCA IN LONDON

    Classic Spanish tragedy Yerma gets a modern makeover at the Young Vic


Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).

We recommend nearby

  • The Sea, The Sea

    The Sea, The Sea – named after Iris Murdoch's Booker-winning novel – brings stylish seafood to Chelsea’s Pavilion Road, with a fishmonger and deli by day, restaurant and champagne bar by night.

    Read more...
    Book Map
  • Wulf & Lamb

    Situated in the smart foodie enclave of Pavilion Road, sleek, buzzy Scandi style Wulf & Lamb is setting new standards for plant-led comfort food. Standout dishes include the well-spiced Thai green curry and the incredibly moreish vegan mac n cheese made with cashew cream, turmeric and mustard.

    Read more...
    Book Map
  • La Cuisine de Bar

    La Cuisine de Bar in nearby Cadogan Gardens serves a delicious selection of tartines (toasted open sandwiches) freshly made for you at the counter. The cool continental set-up eliminates the need for traditional kitchens, chefs and cutlery (you can eat with your fingers sans-problem).

    Read more...

    Culture Whisper is your ultimate guide to the newest, most exciting cafés, bars and restaurants in London and we are sure you will love La Cuisine de Bar!

    Book Map
4

Theatre

Royal Court Theatre

Sixty Years Young

You might like

  • Escaped Alone, Caryl Churchill Royal Court rerun

    Escaped Alone, Royal Court Theatre

  • Les Blancs play: National Theatre revival, 2016

    Les Blancs, National Theatre review ★★★★★

  • London premiere of Grey Gardens: Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell; photo by Scott Rylander

    Grey Gardens, Southwark Playhouse

  • Cuttin' It play: Young Vic, 2016

    Cuttin' It, Young Vic



  • The Culture Whisper team
  • Support Us
  • Tickets
  • Contact us
  • Press
  • FAQ
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Discover
  • Venues
  • Restaurants
  • Stations
  • Boroughs
Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
×