Harrington is currently on London’s West End, in a modern-retting of Christopher Marlowe’s classic tale.
While most of the world spent Sunday waiting for the fate of Jon Snow to be revealed on ‘Game of Thrones’, actor Kit Harington was making his return to the London stage in Doctor Faustus. The role marks Harington’s return to theatre after a five-year absence, during which he became a household name. But were the critics welcoming him back with open arms?
Kit Harington is back on the London stage in Doctor Faustus.
Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this Doctor Faustus is a reworking of Christopher Marlowe’s classic play with two new acts written by Colin Teevan. In this modern-retelling, Faustus makes a deal with the devil, in order to become a rock star style Vegas illusionist, with plenty of sex and violence.
The updated text seems to have done little to inspire critics, who found the production often as messy as some of its scenes (one of which features the ‘Game of Thrones’ star in nothing but some bloodied underpants).
More: Sophie Turner Reveals Just How Long Kit Harington Spends On His Hair
The Evening Standard wrote that ‘Harington’s fans will savour his performance’s mercurial physicality. But for fans of the original Doctor Faustus, it’ll seem to be a case of less Marlowe and more Marloverkill,’ giving the production two stars.
The general consensus is that Harington showed a tremendous commitment to the role, but that alone didn't manage to save the production. Giving it three stars, The Independent mused: ‘Harington throws himself into the part with audacious commitment…Ambitious but incoherent, it's a show that embraces some of the good as well as the unfortunate meanings of “diabolical”’.
The Guardian also praised Harington, finding the actor as much more than just a marquee name and TV sex symbol. ‘Given that he is obliged to bare his buttocks and parade in bloodied boxer shorts, I was tempted to dub him "off-with-your-kit Harington,”’ Michael Billington wrote.
More: Kit Harington Missing Among 'Game Of Thrones' Season 6 Premiere Arrivals
‘But he is much more than a TV icon and, when the production allows him, he gives us a sense of Faustus's flailing despair. I'd certainly like to see him venture further into classical theatre.’ While the Daily Mail described the actor as looking like ‘a nice boy who’s capable of so very much more.’
However The Telegraph was less complimentary, feeling that Marlowe’s text may have been a little much for the ‘GOT’ actor. ‘While he looks impressive, especially when his head leaks black oily slime, Harington’s delivery stays stubbornly earthbound too,’ Dominic Cavendish wrote. ‘He’s competent and clear but hardly a match for Marlowe’s mighty line, lacking sufficient fervour and meaningful interiority.’
An unnerving Western with a sharp female perspective, this film is a series of gruesome...
Will Holloway is faced with not only the most critical event of his career as...
Dark times are coming to the United Kingdom. During a handover to MI5 Counter-terrorism leader...
A classic British memoir gets the full costume drama treatment with this beautifully crafted World...
Vera Brittain is an extraordinarily talented young woman who battles the odds to land herself...
Bigger and even richer than the terrific 2010 hit animation, this sequel is also quite...
Like an ancient Roman version of 2012, this disaster epic is a pure guilty pleasure,...
It's been five years since blacksmith apprentice Hiccup managed to end the battle between dragons...
Blacksmith apprentice Hiccup and his pet dragon Toothless have managed to end the war between...
After being enslaved, Milo is made into a gladiator with indomitable strength. He is forced...
John Gregory is a Spook charged with ridding the country of witches, beasts and malevolent...
Heather Mason is now a teenager and has grown up running away from dark forces...