A star rating of 4 out of 5.
In 2023, Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s award-winning play translated into English made its UK debut at Ustinov Studio in Bath. Now, after much anticipation, the London premiere of this production has come to the Park Theatre, and it delivers everything theatre enthusiasts could dream of.
Goodbye, Mr. Haffmann is a World War II play with an unexpected turn. Joseph Haffmann, a Jewish jeweler, is compelled to conceal himself during the Nazi occupation of Paris. In order to secure his protection, he entrusts Pierre, one of his employees, with managing the jewelry shop.
Pierre presents an idea of his own, though. Since they’ve been unable to conceive due to Pierre’s infertility, he and his wife have been trying for a baby. As agreed, Mr Haffmann steps in at this point. Unsurprisingly, events take a turn for the chaotic.
Introduce a character who adores art but is also a Nazi, along with his scandalous spouse, and you’ll find a captivating stage production filled with high tension. This play skillfully maintains your interest for its entire 95-minute duration.
Although a storyline that combines an Indecent Proposal with World War II might not seem like a jovial read at first glance, this play manages to skillfully mix dark humor and mounting suspense. Instead of trivializing the play’s serious topics, the humor brings attention to the absurdity of the scenario unfolding.
In addition to its captivating central storyline, Farewell Mister Hoffman delves into the chilling reality of ordinary individuals being swayed by propaganda – a theme that seems alarmingly current in 2025. As Pierre’s store thrives under his management, an unsettling trend emerges as its clientele lean towards questionable characters. We can’t help but be drawn in with a sense of dread as we witness Pierre going to great lengths to defend and accommodate his new business associates.
As the story unfolds, characters gradually move towards ambiguous moral grounds and power structures subtly change, leading to a buildup and release of palpable tension that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats due to its intriguing and unexpected outcomes.
In this play, the acting was exceptional, featuring outstanding performances. Nigel Harman, known for his roles in EastEnders and Downton Abbey, portrayed the chilling German Ambassador brilliantly – a villain who made audiences uneasy with his habit of delivering threats while smiling. On the other hand, Michael Fox gave a compelling performance as Pierre Vigneau, a character whose inner turmoil was vividly displayed through tap dancing as he grappled with mounting frustration.
The play’s central conflict is skillfully reflected in Rebecca Brower’s set design, which offers multiple rooms on the stage and keeps the three main characters mostly present, creating a sense of confinement. Christopher Nairne’s lighting effectively reveals the characters’ inner turmoils, rather than focusing on their interactions with each other or the external world.
Essentially, Farewell Mister Haffmann offers a profound exploration of human nature, scrutinizing an individual’s potential for both compassion and brutality when pushed to their limits.
When and where can I see Farewell Mister Haffmann?
From the passionate cinephile I am, mark your calendars for an unmissable cinematic journey! The captivating “Farewell Mister Haffmann” will be gracing the stage at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park from March 10th to April 12th, 2025. Don’t miss it!
How much are Farewell Mister Haffmann tickets?
Prices for tickets begin at £31, but the exact cost may fluctuate based on the specific date you select and your chosen seating location.
Read More
- ZK PREDICTION. ZK cryptocurrency
- Invincible Season 4: What We Know About Release Date and Plot Speculation!
- INJ PREDICTION. INJ cryptocurrency
- ONT PREDICTION. ONT cryptocurrency
- NYM PREDICTION. NYM cryptocurrency
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- TRB PREDICTION. TRB cryptocurrency
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- EUR INR PREDICTION
- DGB PREDICTION. DGB cryptocurrency
2025-03-11 20:34