American Psycho, Almeida Theatre: Reviews round-up

Matt Smith stars in 'American Psycho' at the Almeida (Elliott Franks)

What is it? Headlong’s musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel. Duncan Sheik provides the music, Rupert Goold is directing, and it stars Matt Smith.

The Independent says: “capitalist extremism … satirised through a psychopathic serial-killing Wall Street banker seems an improbable subject for a tuner. But this witty, almost terminally knowing show tackles that difficulty with deadpan cheek … the show is short on visceral tension. Patrick’s sadistic spasms with axe and nail gun are stylised, choreographed turns … the gore is mostly virtual.”

They say: The Daily Mail: “there is a chance of satire puncturing its target. But this [show] longs to be thought cool, even while criticising cool … Style trumps humanity and dramatic truth.”

The Guardian: “the stand-out performer is the excellent Matt Smith … [he] has the capacity to suggest there is a strange emotional vacancy and spiritual hollowness within this solitary fantasist. Without enlisting our sympathy, he makes Bateman wholly believable.”

You say: @verbalictor: “It’s a hugely, refreshingly, enjoyable show and the cast are blimmin’ brilliant. Good night out. Hurrah.”

@MrJDMyatt: “Slick & disturbing as the 80s. Slides across its surfaces like Sondheim on K”

Details: to 1 Feb; almeida.co.uk