• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews

Review: The Kite Runner at The Playhouse Theatre

by Greg Stewart
June 19, 2017
Reading Time: 2 mins read
The Kite Runner David Ahmed and Cast Photo by Irina Chira

The Kite Runner David Ahmed and Cast Photo by Irina Chira

Four Star Review from Theatre Weekly

Following a run at Wyndham’s Theatre earlier this year, Matthew Spangler’s stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel, The Kite Runner, has returned to London. The production, at the Playhouse Theatre, will embark on a UK tour following this second West End run.

Despite being fourteen years since the novel was published, this production, directed by Giles Croft, could not feel more relevant today. We watch the disintegration of a country, the demonisation of a religion and the persecution of innocents, all while friendships are built, and betrayed, and survival becomes the number one priority.

       

The novel is an epic in itself and, of course, it would have been impossible to transpose the entire book on to the stage, but Spangler has come very close. Some aspects, such as Sohrab’s adoption, are more succinct, but the main themes feel thoroughly explored and no one who has read Hosseini’s work will feel short-changed.

The protagonist, Amir, takes on the role of narrator and it’s a meaty part to wade through, David Ahmad is on stage for the entire production and doesn’t once falter.  Andrei Costin bounds around the stage with unlimited energy, in the role of Hassan, and brings a superb tenderness and innocence to the role. Later, as Sohrab he gives a heart wrenching performance that left many in the audience weeping.

You mightalso like

West End LIVE 2024 Les Miserables performance seen from the back of Trafalgar Square (c) Danny Kaan

West End LIVE 2025 Announces Additional Performances and 20th Anniversary Concert

Michael Sheen (Nye Bevan) in Nye at the National Theatre (c) Johan Persson

Further Casting Announced for the Return of Nye

The switching back and forth from adult Amir to child Amir can sometimes feel a little jarring, but the narrator element does make for an extremely descriptive piece of theatre, often the words replacing staging, and that brings a particular beauty to this wonderfully evocative play.  Drew Baumohl’s sound design is the other stand out feature, simple items create a rich tapestry of sound that really bring the settings to life.

The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted piece of theatre, which is emotional and thought provoking, and audiences will not fail to draw parallels between the highly wrought storyline and current affairs. Whether in London, or on tour, this production of The Kite Runner will elicit feelings of compassion and particularly resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the weight of guilt, the pain of loss or the joy of friendship.

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

West End LIVE 2024 Les Miserables performance seen from the back of Trafalgar Square (c) Danny Kaan
News

West End LIVE 2025 Announces Additional Performances and 20th Anniversary Concert

Michael Sheen (Nye Bevan) in Nye at the National Theatre (c) Johan Persson
News

Further Casting Announced for the Return of Nye

Bordello The Musical image supplied by publicist
News

Cast Announced for Bordello, The Musical

Edward II rehearsal photo credit Helen Murray
First Look

First Look: RSC’s Edward II in Rehearsal

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Mark Sands and Andrew Muir Photo by Michael David McKernan

Ardent Theatre Company Launches Bold 10-Year Manifesto to End Class Inequality in Theatre

Imago 6 Corporeal Imago Photo Chris Randle Artists Eowynn Enquist Isak Enquist Image supplied by publicist

Edinburgh Fringe Preview: Imago at Assembly Roxy (Central)

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly