Privacy, Donmar Warehouse ****

 Joshua McGuire and Paul Chahidi in Privacy

Photo by Johan Pearson

The Donmar has always been the centre for great, new pieces so it was no surprise to see this piece at this venue. However, it was a surprise being given an instruction sheet when entering the space as well as being encouraged to keep my phone on. And with a researcher counting us in, I was feeling apprehensive.

I needn't have worried as the show was spell bounding from start to finish. More of a presentation than a theatrical piece, Graham portrays himself as 'the writer' (played remarkably well by Joshua McGuire) being pressured by 'the director' (based on the real life director Josie Rourke and characterized beautifully by Michelle Terry) to conduct interviews with a host of interesting people whose parts are shared amongst the cast.

Whilst some say that it does not tackle the issue properly, I think that that is not what they want to do. The purpose of this is to shock and it certainly does that. It shows us the dangers that the internet has and it's audience participation hammers home how scary the internet can be. The ending also proves a huge shock comparable to The Mousetrap.

A special mention goes out to Paul Chahidi who is superb throughout the play and has recently been nominated for a Tony award for his spot- on performance as Maria in Twelth Night as well as winning several other awards for the part. He is equally pleasing in this.

Overall, whilst next year the play will be out of date, This piece is the most revelatory piece I have seen for a very long time.

Privacy is on at the Donmar Warehouse until May 31st