Dear Octopus | Meet The Randolphs | National Theatre

The family, from whose tentacles we can never quite escape
When a golden wedding anniversary reunites the Randolph family on the eve of WWII, Dora and Charles must reckon with the adults their children have become. Their children, meanwhile, are haunted by the memory of the family they once were.
Heartbreaking and joyful, this captivating revival of Dodie Smith’s (I Capture the Castle) play is a moving dissection of family and what it means to grow up and return home.
Lindsay Duncan (Hansard) plays Dora in this beautiful, contemporary production, directed by Emily Burns (Jack Absolute Flies Again).
Dear Octopus will be playing in the Lyttelton Theatre from 7 February 2024.
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[@frankieholloway7008]

Disagree with all other comments. An excellent and very enjoyable play. Yes the setting and way of life is very different to now but as a commentary on family dynamics this play still feels contemporary and fresh.

[@neilbett4483]

I loved this production. An exquisite exploration of the intricacies of family life in an interesting historical context. The National Theatre is right to include this in the mix of productions. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but isn’t that the point of a theatre that needs to appeal to a wide range of tastes?

[@goringunplugged]

I thought it was the finest play I had seen for a long time, exquisite writing, beautifully performed. It's sad that people are so used to lightweight, fast moving shows that they no longer know how to focus on a serious play. Very sad. I loved this play, so much to think about, each character presenting a different aspect of life, my companion and I found so much to discuss afterwards

[@will121]

Hope I can keep up! 😊 Looking forward to seeing it

[@Writersroompub]

Walked out during the interval- the National is not the theatre for this. It would have been more at home at the Hampstead. Curious to know how this play ended up here- and the BFI screening the movie at the same time

[@cew9837]

Oh dear.. left at the interval last night.. can't imagine why Rufus Norris gave the unearthing of this the green light.. very long and not a lot to hold your interest. Turkey.. Lindsay Duncan ha a few nicee lines. Rest ofadults worked hard.. galoshes and nursery teas.. how super!! Antiquated...

[@travisr82]

Three kids painting at the table had more charisma and charm than the rest of the play ( exc Duncan - who is great but had nothing to do )