The curtain falls on 'Beginning', 'Middle' and now 'End', the trilogy of plays by David Eldridge that explores different couples at successive stages of their relationships. As it concludes, the play poignantly overlaps with its predecessors, drawing parallels between them as much as familiarity with one's own relationships.
For those who have seen the previous two plays, seeing 'End' is a more emotional experience, thanks to the reunion of Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves, the same actors from Stephen Poliakoff's 1991 film 'Close My Eyes'. This classic tale of an incestuous affair between Natalie (Reeves) and her younger brother Richard (Owen) still lingers, complementing Eldridge's play with its own brand of elegiac tone.
The original film was inspired by Poliakoff's 1975 play 'Hitting Town', which caused a tabloid frenzy due to its explicit depiction of the taboo relationship. The story unfolds in the midst of London's Docklands regeneration and Thatcherite individualism, capturing a society in flux and disruption.
Eldridge sets Alfie and Julie's personal turmoil against one of the most divisive periods in recent British history – the Brexit vote of 2016. But this is no mere backdrop; it serves to highlight their own struggle with Alfie's terminal illness. As he moves from his comfortable, successful life as a DJ to helplessness due to cancer, their connection takes centre stage.
The memory of 'Close My Eyes' also brings back the intense sex scenes between Natalie and Richard – though here they are depicted in subtle detail. There's a poignant contrast between the energy of those early encounters and Alfie's now feeble attempts at intimacy with Julie.
Owen and Reeves bring their screen experience to this play, reflecting on their characters' decades-long history as well as an undeniable sense of distancing due to illness. Early moments evoke nostalgia for Owen's past roles – including Chancer in a memorable TV show – underscoring the passage of time and how Alfie has changed.
Just like Poliakoff's 'Close My Eyes', Eldridge's 'End' explores paradoxes, juxtaposing the present with memories of the past. Here, it's about not just facing an uncertain future but also navigating a lifetime of unfulfilled desires – Natalie's failed writing ambitions being fulfilled by Julie, who plots out their life without Alfie.
For its powerful exploration of human relationships and its nuanced portrayal of love and loss, 'End' at the National Theatre until January 17th is not to be missed.
For those who have seen the previous two plays, seeing 'End' is a more emotional experience, thanks to the reunion of Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves, the same actors from Stephen Poliakoff's 1991 film 'Close My Eyes'. This classic tale of an incestuous affair between Natalie (Reeves) and her younger brother Richard (Owen) still lingers, complementing Eldridge's play with its own brand of elegiac tone.
The original film was inspired by Poliakoff's 1975 play 'Hitting Town', which caused a tabloid frenzy due to its explicit depiction of the taboo relationship. The story unfolds in the midst of London's Docklands regeneration and Thatcherite individualism, capturing a society in flux and disruption.
Eldridge sets Alfie and Julie's personal turmoil against one of the most divisive periods in recent British history – the Brexit vote of 2016. But this is no mere backdrop; it serves to highlight their own struggle with Alfie's terminal illness. As he moves from his comfortable, successful life as a DJ to helplessness due to cancer, their connection takes centre stage.
The memory of 'Close My Eyes' also brings back the intense sex scenes between Natalie and Richard – though here they are depicted in subtle detail. There's a poignant contrast between the energy of those early encounters and Alfie's now feeble attempts at intimacy with Julie.
Owen and Reeves bring their screen experience to this play, reflecting on their characters' decades-long history as well as an undeniable sense of distancing due to illness. Early moments evoke nostalgia for Owen's past roles – including Chancer in a memorable TV show – underscoring the passage of time and how Alfie has changed.
Just like Poliakoff's 'Close My Eyes', Eldridge's 'End' explores paradoxes, juxtaposing the present with memories of the past. Here, it's about not just facing an uncertain future but also navigating a lifetime of unfulfilled desires – Natalie's failed writing ambitions being fulfilled by Julie, who plots out their life without Alfie.
For its powerful exploration of human relationships and its nuanced portrayal of love and loss, 'End' at the National Theatre until January 17th is not to be missed.
. I mean, seeing Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves reprise their roles from 'Close My Eyes' in 'End' must be super emotional for fans, and it's great that they bring this depth to the play. The way Eldridge explores paradoxes and contrasts between past and present is so well done – it really makes you think about life, love, and loss 
. For me, what resonates most is how Alfie and Julie's story is tied to this moment in time, when we're all grappling with uncertainty. Anyway, gotta catch 'End' before it closes on Jan 17th! 
. The emotional impact of Eldridge's 'End' comes from how it beautifully bridges with its predecessors, bringing a sense of closure to an already complex exploration of love and relationships 
. The reunion of Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves is especially poignant, adding depth to what could've been just another play about mortality and human connection 
.
and i'm still reeling from it!! clive owen & saskia reeves bring so much depth to their characters, especially with all that history between them 
the way they portray alfie's decline is heart-wrenching, but also kinda beautiful 
i loved how david eldridge wove together the storylines from the other two plays too - it's like we're getting a whole new perspective on these characters 
can't recommend 'end' enough, go see it before jan 17th! 
i was thinking about how much i love those flavors and now i'm craving them so bad... anyway, back to the play, i loved how it highlighted the complexities of relationships and how people grow apart. but have you seen those cute cats on tiktok? there's this one account with a tabby cat that just looks at its food like it's judging me 
what do you think about plays that explore mature themes like love and loss?
...it feels like we're already saying goodbye to an era, what with brexit all over the news these days 
. still, its emotional impact feels earned after watching the first two plays...the reunion of clive owen and saskia reeves is just heart-wrenching 
. but i gotta say, i'm still a bit skeptical about how much the brexit backdrop really adds to the story...could we have gotten that emotional resonance from just focusing more on the characters' inner turmoil? 
it's like david eldridge took all these personal struggles and relationships and put them in a blender... and then hit puree 
i love how eldridge explores paradoxes and the complexities of human relationships, its so raw and honest 
and Saskia Reeves is just so underrated, she brings the drama. but seriously, it's a bit much how they're drawing parallels between all these plays...it's like, can't we just enjoy each other's company instead of comparing our relationships to some ancient tragedy? 
. I've seen the first two plays and I have to say, I'm excited to see how this one ties everything together (no pun intended). The whole "exploring different couples at successive stages of their relationships" thing sounds really deep and thought-provoking... we'll just have to wait and see if it lives up to the hype 
The original film was groundbreaking back in the day, but now it just feels like a nostalgic trip down memory lane 
It's all so rehearsed and predictable. I mean, can't we have something more innovative for once? 
". And the way the actors bring their characters' decades-long history to life... it's like watching an old movie or something 
.
". Anyway, if you haven't seen 'End' at the National Theatre yet, do yourself a favor and get tickets 
. It's a wild ride!
Totally nail-on-the-head.
I'll stick to my old-school rom-coms, thanks 
. What really got me was how Alfie's decline affected his relationship with Julie. It's like they're both trying to hold on to the past while facing an uncertain future.