"Jonathan Munby’s modern-dress account, clear-sighted rather than radical, begins with pageantry and ritualistic song. Yet it’s satisfyingly brisk and finds some uncomfortably visceral ways to embody the play’s imagery of a society plunged into chaos.
The supporting roles are luxuriously cast. Sinéad Cusack brings radiant authority and then a rugged abruptness to Lear’s loyal retainer Kent. Dervla Kirwan is a memorably glacial Goneril, and Kirsty Bushell’s shimmying Regan is a chilling mix of glee and twitchy malice, while rising star Tamara Lawrance has a restrained dignity as their noble-hearted, modest sister Cordelia.
Jonathan Bailey’s Edgar is a touching study of transformation — from naive innocence into morally serious worldliness — and Damien Molony captures the self-seeking resentment of his half-brother Edmund."