McKellen also starred in the Broadway production

The play enjoyed a successful stint in the US, despite opening only a week after the Septemeber 11 attacks.

"It's hardly boulevard fare, and not an easy night out. It is, however, an extremely rewarding one," wrote BBC News Online's Mark Shenton.

But what did you think?

Can a play like this survive on Shaftesbury Avenue? What did you think of the performances?

Yes, a good evening out, but to hold Alice and Kurt in thrall, Edgar has to be a real monster. McKellen played him as just a cantankerous old buffer. If Alice had told him to "Shut up you silly old man", she would have saved herself years of anguish.
Martin Platt, UK

A very disappointing evening. I was unconvinced of the hatred between Alice and Edgar and a very weak performance from Owen Teale made me long for the end of the play, or the early death of Edgar. The only redeeming point was Frances de La Tour's Alice, but even that was not enough to carry her fellow actors.
Therese Gaughan, UK

This wasn't really my kind of play, but the actors were fantastic. Ian McKellen's performance was especially good.
Robert Alan, Scotland