(Michael Billington’s article appeared in the Guardian, 12/17.)
A chamber production of Coriolanus? It sounds a contradiction in terms. But, as the programme points out, Shakespeare's epic Roman play was probably first staged in the small-scale Blackfriars theatre. Josie Rourke also uses the Donmar's intimacy to come up with a fast, witty, intelligent production that in Tom Hiddleston boasts a fine Coriolanus. Even if I have a few niggles, this is a thoroughly good evening.
The first thing one notices is how ingeniously Rourke uses the space. Roman discontent is quickly evoked through graffiti-sprayed walls demanding: "Grain at our own price."
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/dec/18/coriolanus-review-donmar-warehouse