The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews Sebastian, Four Mothers, Restless, and The Most Precious of Cargoes
A powerful ‘state of the nation’ piece
A classic domestic drama that encompasses the great British elephant in the room - class, writes MAYER WAKEFIELD

Middle
National Theatre/Dorfman
“I DON’T love you anymore”. Five words that no-one wants to hear, right at the heart of David Eldridge’s third play for the National Theatre.
As the Sunday morning sun rises in Romford, Maggie (Claire Rushbrook) begins delivering honesty bombshells to lovable “liability” Gary (Daniel Ryan) like there’s no tomorrow. After 16 years together, it seems that there’s no future for them and she reveals that she’s been meeting with Detective Inspector John at cafes and galleries for the past three months.
More from this author

MAYER WAKEFIELD wonders why this 1978 drama merits a revival despite demonstrating that the underlying theme of racism in the UK remains relevant

MAYER WAKEFIELD speaks to playwright Richard Bean about his new play Reykjavik that depicts the exploitation of the Hull-based “far-fleet” trawlermen

MAYER WAKEFIELD finds himself caught in the crossfire during a riveting piece of activist theatre

MAYER WAKEFIELD falls in love with a deft and hilarious portrait of Cairo after the Arab Spring