What did the critics think of Wise Children?

Now Playing at the Old Vic

Emma Rice's newest production is here in the form of Wise Children! Adapted from the novel by Angela Carter Wise Children is a glitzy exploration of all things show business, but what did the critics think?

The Guardian said that 'Rice’s relaunch is a splashy one, celebrating the sheer razzle-dazzle of a life in theatre' adding that Wise Children 'sits inventively somewhere between musical and play, is as much about performance as it is about the lives of the twins'.

The Evening Standard said that 'Emma Rice does justice to the verve and racy humour of Carter's writing, and the result is a pleasing oddity, tinged with melancholy yet joyous and inventive'. With the Daily Mail saying 'When other directors try this sort of thing, it often feels fey and forced. When Emma Rice does it, it feels madly English and, for all the other-worldliness, rooted'.

The Times said 'This celebration of showbiz and the value of family is glorious - a controlled explosion of theatrical glee', with The Stage saying 'The whole thing comes across as one huge love letter to theatre, albeit one that encompasses its seedier aspects as well its power to transform and enchant'.

What is Wise Children about?

Born and bred south-London show girls Nora and Dora Chance are celebrating their 70th birthday. Across the river their father, who is the celebrated Melchoir Hazard, is turning 100 on the same day, alongside his twin brother Peregrine, well that is if Peregrine is still alive.. and actually is Melchior the girls' father at all?

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