The Inheritance is about relationships; the men you have loved and lost. It is the world of literature and slight homo snobbery. The comedy elements of the play are vibrant, sexy and add to the incredible fast pace of this heart-wrenching emotional rollercoaster. Phenomenal acting with the highest praise going to Andrew Burnap as Toby Darling, Samuel H Levine as a mesmerising Adam – with the dual role of Leo – and lastly Paul Hilton playing the roles of Morgan and Walter. The play is in two parts and with a total running time of over six hours, I would strongly urge that you try and see the two parts back to back.
Writer Matthew Lopez’s dialogue is totally believable and where he creates a climax within a climax, beautifully demonstrates what it is like to be a gay man today. Collectively bringing together issues from the past that will affect the gay community in the present and the future; his comments on the AIDS crisis that hit New York in the 1980s make for compelling theatre. Be warned to have a hanky ready with the hard hitting aspects of the AIDS tragedy featured in the play being relieved by nervous laughter (which Lopez wanted to get from his audience). A masterpiece, a stunning study in the power of finding dignity and having compassion for your fellow man. Beautifully directed by Stephen Daldry, who has created a modern classic.
*****
The Inheritance runs to Saturday 19th January at the Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2HN 4AP. Box office: 0844 482 5120 www.inheritanceplay.com
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