HomePedro The Great Pretender Reviews

The actors must have loved doing this one. A three-hour justification of their art, full of in-jokes on acting and impersonation, and with the added imprint of the Spanish Golden Age to give it that added cachet. But, in truth, you’d have to be hard-hearted not to enjoy this 17th century romp, as Pedro, a social chameleon with the gift of the gab – like an Hispanic Rory Bremner crossed with Del Boy - lets loose his charms on an assorted mixture of royalty, gipsies, priests, religious fanatics, local dignitaries, actors and conmen.....

....Many of the cast who triumphed in The Dog in the Manger and House of Desires - including the excellent Simon Trinder and Joseph Millson - also feature here in this episodic offering by Cervantes, which is directed here by Mike Alfreds, founder of the Shared Experience company.

What's on Stage Review - Pete Wood 2005

Joseph Millson makes a wonderfully neurotic aristocratic King his huge temper tantrum is marvellous.

Reviews Gate by Rod Dungate Sept 2004

In particular, Joseph Millson was outstandingly funny in his two roles as a scurrilous, blind con-artist who is outdone by Pedro, and as the king torn between his infatuation with a beautiful gypsy and his queen's uxorial jealousy.

Curtain Up Charlotte Loverage 2005

Joseph Millson's petulant, child-like king achieves the right, light comic touch.

This Is London Nicholas de Jongh 2004

...this is very much a company show. Joseph Millson as a flouncing king hurling himself on cushions in amorous despair...

The Guardian Michael Billington 2004

Among the hard-working ensemble impersonating Andalusian peasants, local officials and royalty, there are sharp performances from Julius D'Silva as a terminally stupid mayor, Claire Cox as a haughty gypsy girl, Joseph Millson as the randy king who fancies her, and Rebecca Johnson as his jealous queen.

The Telegraph Charles Spencer 2005

It would be invidious to single out any single individual for this is a great ensemble piece, but invariably there are highlights, apart from Ramm: Rebecca Johnson gave us a very Miranda Richardson Queenie-like Queen whilst Joseph Millson as the King was a real delight.

Peter Lathan The British Theatre Guide 2004

The RSC's Spanish Golden Age season - blessed with the most ebullient ensemble that Stratford has seen in years - rounds off with Pedro, The Great Pretender by Miguel Cervantes. Joseph Millson's gypsy-fancying King is cryingly funny, hurling himself into a frenzied pillow fight with his jealous Queen, Rebecca Johnson.

Kate Bassett The Independent 2004