THE PLAY TROILUS AND CRESSIDA

The Week in Review

Peter de Jersey, Sophie Okonedo and Roger Allam star in Trevor Nunn's production of Shakespeare's bitter tragicomedy, set during the Greek siege of Troy.

"When you've witnessed the masterly sweep and precision of focus in Trevor Nunn's production, the historical puzzle is why this play has had to wait more than 25 years to find a home in the Olivier Theatre," trilled Paul Taylor. "A breakthrough," sang The Guardian, adding: "Nunn's great virtue is that he recreates the play by re-defining character." "A virtuosic blend of intimate detail and epic sweep," decided The Daily Telegraph, while the Daily Mail deemed it "utterly rewarding". "I have seen nearly every role better played," muttered The Times, and The Evening Standard spat: "An arid Nunn production... peopled with actors flailing at sea with Shakespeare."

Director Trevor Nunn's epic production presents this difficult play with enlightening clarity, while the emotional conflict between the eponymous heroes is finely conveyed by De Jersey and Okonedo.

Troilus and Cressida is in repertory at the National Theatre, London SE1. For bookings and enquiries call 0171-452 3000