Greenwich Studio Theatre:
From the reviews, 1993–1997


About the Theatre

Minna von BarnhelmErasmus MontanusAnd Women Must Weep
The NunThe Green ParakeetA Spanner in the WorksThe Will
Out in the ColdWhat Now, Little Man?Spring Awakening
Send for Mr Plim


About the Theatre

“Hit productions of European classics are becoming a habit at the Greenwich Studio.”

What’s On in London

“This enterprising theatre looks set on a course that could make it southeast London’s answer to Notting Hill’s Gate.”

The Times

“fast establishing itself as a fine producer of classics ... the new team at Greenwich Studio does share some of the hallmarks that made the Gate in Notting Hill great...”

The Independent

“I sometimes think that the best work on the Fringe these days is being done by the Greenwich Studio Theatre Company.”

Plays and Players

“up-and-coming venue ... the Forsyths have refurbished it well... super production values.”

Theatre Record 1993

“one of the most innovative and exciting theatres in South London.”

News Shopper

“South London’s answer to the Gate.”

Time Out

“The Greenwich Studio Theatre seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment as the purveyors of quality European drama.”

Southern Cross


Minna von Barnhelm

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

September/October 1993

“Quality of performaces and sets have made a quantum leap... directed with real charm and a delicate touch... a real treat.”

Time Out

“polished enjoyable production... strong performances all round... a show that augurs well for the company’s residency.”

The Independent

“admirable production... a joy to watch... if future work continues to reach this high standard, the Greenwich Studio Theatre is clearly going to be one of the most exciting Fringe venues in the London area.”

Plays and Players

“charming and profound comedy... there is not a weak link in this rather delightful chain... I defy you not to leave feeling good about life in general.”

What’s On


Erasmus Montanus

Ludvig Holberg

November 1993 (revived April 1984)

“brilliantly translated, adapted and directed ... Don't miss.”

Time Out

“excellent production ... has a real sense of community.”

Plays and Players

“a neat and highly enjoyable moral comedy... fíne production ... well paced, well acted and funny.”

The Independent

“the quality of acting is impressive.”

Times

“sparkling translation ... backed to the hilt by a very strong cast... a sheer delight.”

The Stage

“I loved Julian Forsyth’s production .”

Financial Times


And Women Must Weep

Four short plays by Arthur Schnitzler

February/March 1984

“unmissable ...absolutely riveting ... superb low-key lighting ... finely judged production ... electrifying performances ... extraordinary piece of writing.”

What’s On

“extremely well staged ... beautifully lit... a brilliant cast.”

The Stage

“resourceful staging in a small space ... the playing is delightful.”

Times

“Expert touches make the Greenwich Studio productions a joy to review.”

Blackheath Gazette

“the theatre’s reputation goes from strength to strength.”

Plays and Players


The Nun

Denis Diderot

May/June 1984

“confirms the threatre’s reputation as a venue to watch.”

The Independent

“an engaging piece of theatre ...a production of such simple, limpid beauty ... perfectly drilled ensemble ... so elegantly poised a production.”

Time Out

“Margarete Forsyth’s production makes cunning use of the Studio’s shallow acting area ... a feat.”

The Independent on Sunday

“engaging new adaptation ... masterful use of theatrical resources. .. invigorated throughout by a superb ensemble. Make a pilgrimage to Greenwich. It restores the faith.”

What’s On

“immensely enjoyable ... the acting throughout is superb.”

Plays and Players

“a first-class production ... sensitively and beautifully dramatised.”

The Stage

“a staging of such eloquent simplicity that you cannot help being drawn in ... the ensemble acting is most impressive ... well worth reviving”

Financial Times

“engaging new adaptation ... executed with grace and theatrical eloquence ... masterful use of theatrical resources ... invigorated throughout by a superb ensemble. Make a pilgrimage to Greenwich. It restores the faith.”

What's On (1994)

“the quality of the production bears all the hallmarks of the excellent Greenwich Studio company ... intelligent, well-paced adaptation ... Margarete Forsyth's typically assured direction”

What's On (1996)


The Green Parakeet

Arthur Schnitzler

October/November 1994

“crisp translation ... a fascinating 90-minute play.”

The Times

“fine performances... Margarete Forsyth’s production demonstrates a sparkling intelligence throughout... we are in the hands of a director of clear vision.”

Time Out

“strong ensemble acting; witty, intelligent direction; and a lovingly detailed set.”

The Independent

“a production in which every detail is perfect.”

The Guide

“the ultimate pub theatre play ... this 1898 masterpiece proves itself as timely as ever ... a directorial triumph.”

The Independent on Sunday

“a wonderful cast... beautifully paced and beautifully acted, the play has the audience in helpless laughter from stately beginning io electrifying end ... quite simply brilliant.”

The Stage

“exceedingly good theatre ... well worth seeing ... beautifully directed by Margarete Forsyth”

What's On


A Spanner in the Works

Friedrich Dürrenmatt

Novmber 1994/January 1995

“a superbly plotted 90-minute thriller... unreserved recommendation.”

The Independent on Sunday

“beautifully played.”

What’s On

“enjoyable production ... strong performances.”

The Independent

“the cast look their parts to perfection.”

The Times

“Margarete Forsyth’s production creates the right atmosphere of creeping unease.”

The Guardian

“I have not been so excited by a director’s work on the Fringe since I first saw the productions of Stephen Daldry at The Gate.”

Plays and Players


The Will

Pierre Marivaux

February/March 1995

“In Michael Sadler’s brisk, colloquial translation the bumpy paths of love are enjoyably followed towards a happy ending for all three couples. Delightful.”

The Times

“little jewel of a comedy ... brisk and funny translation ... confirms my feeling that Marivaux is drama's Mozart ... a delightful revival of a mini-masterpiece that makes one long for more Marivaux”

The Guardian

“... brilliant characterisation ... carried off with aplomb.”

Time Out

“The appeal of the play lies in the delicate interplay between characters, whether motivated by self-interest, desire or love. Marivaux is well-served by the cast at the Greenwich Studio Theatre.”

News Shopper

“This is a production of considerable charm, with perfect performances ... delightful”

The Guide

“a small, beautifully crafted and delicately lit set ... delightfully presented"”

The Stage

“”


Out in the Cold

Wolfgang Borchert

June 1995; October 1995

“another excellent production from this pub theatre powerhouse”

The Times

“this bleakly whimsical dream play ... lovingly restored to all its dark, painfully ironic glory ... the Greenwich Studio Theatre Company deserve a big thank you”

Time Out

“this interesting play ... extremely controversial ... yet another success for the Greenwich Studio”

What's On

“It os good to see the fine Greenwich Studio company, who have won awards for their crystalline productions of rare classics, taking on this difficult option”

Financial Times

“This remarkable revival ... superbly acted ... another intelligent, creative translation by Julian Forsyth ... an unusual, moving and thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre”

The Stage

“Margarete and Julian Forsyth's taut, brilliantly acted, expressionistic production. This is one on the Fringe that you shouldn't miss.”

Guardian


What Now, Little Man?

Hans Fallada

May 1996

“Real surprise awaits yopu at the Greenwich Theatre, where the gathering menace of Nazism rumbles behind Hans Fallada's Thirties novel. Translator and adaptor Julian Forsyth has whipped it into dramatic shape with lots of brio, and the piece is directed at speed and with guts by Margarete Forsyth ... I suddenly felt I had much history and humanity within my grasp”

The Mail On Sunday

“Irony is the hallmark of Margarete Forsyth's production ... the supporting cast of grotesques would be equally at home in Isherwood's Berlin”

THE Guardian

“this new production by the valiant and admirable team at Greenwich Studio Theatre”

The Times

“Anita Dobson (Ange in the early Eastenders) is one of this production's many gems”

The Guide


Spring Awakening

Frank Wedekind

May 1997

“There are many lovely touches in the direction”

Financial Times

“Margarete Forsyth's intelligent production ... reasserts the playful humour of Wedekind's script ... has a dreamy Ruritanian atmosphere which makes the serious moments all the more effective”

Evening Standard

“moments of inspired surrealism ... a superbly staged final scene ... an astonishing, rich play, and an ideal one for treatment by this consistently fine company”

What's On

Send for Mr Plim

Mischa Spoliansky

August/September 1999

“Margarete Forsyth's expert production...a 60-minute gem...a pure joy”

The Guardian

“a highly entertaining and original piece of theatre”

Theatre News