Today we got what we hope will be our first 5* review for The Dark Philosophers, in Fringe Review:

"There is no discernible vulnerability in this slick performance. The whole cast are remarkably versatile and slip in and out of the various characters with alarming alacrity that this is pure unadulterated joy to behold. The overwhelming humorous approach to their own ingenuity is delicious e.g. using goats to change scenery or Thomas’s goading of the cast to add to their dialogue. It’s truly a bewitching and capricious piece of work. Book a ticket - you’ve only got yourself to blame if you miss it!"

Yesterday's 4* review in the Metro, which isn't available online, said:

"Based on the life and stories of Gwyn Thomas, the irascible Welsh writer who published a series of morality tales in the 1940s and 1950s that stuck two fingers up to convention, The Dark Philosophers is a wickedly funny snapshot of life in the Rhondda Valley.

Playing fast and loose with structure and chronology, National Theatre Wales and Told by an Idiot’s sublime co-production captures Thomas’s capricious spirit, including a recreation of his televised interview with Michael Parkinson alongside Dolly Parton and Billy Connolly.

Set designer Angela Davies imagines the terraces of south Wales as a shanty town of furniture: characters emerge from wooden trunks, wardrobes and a sliding drawer while a masked figure, representing the older Thomas, narrates the action with a typically sharp tongue.

Director Paul Hunter and writer Carl Grose pull of some lovely flourishes including a pub brawl choreographed as an impressive rough and tumble worthy of the Marx brothers, while the domineering figure of mountain owner Oscar is represented by a moveable mannequin of body parts controlled by different actors. The Dark Philosophers is a treat and one of the undoubted highlights of the Traverse season."

Another 4* review in The Public Reviews reads:

"this is a blast of a production and can’t fail to bring a smile to your face"

And the British Theatre Guide's 4* review says:

"NTW have hit the ground running with this memorable debut"

Added to The Herald's 4* review, we've had a fantastic reaction so far!

Will keep you posted as more come in...