William & James

Critical Response:

“I’ve never seen such a response for a play; ever.” Says Davyn Ryall, producer/director. “It appeals to a very broad audience demographic…both women and men laughed and then equally shed tears… it was fascinating to witness from the back of the room as the second to last scene unfolds, audience members arms gravitating towards the shoulders of their partners in the seat next to them, clearly identifying the couples in the room.Many of the theatre goers loved the play so much that they came to enjoy it twice.”

“I enjoyed the French premiere so much that I went back that same evening to see the English version. Both productions are equally enjoyable to see. Two times Bravo!”
- Marie-Andrée Parent: Prémiere Delires - CKUT Radio McGill 90.3FM

“The beautiful quality of the language is a pleasure to listen to; Robert Tsonos of Montreal is a real discovery... The brilliant minimalist direction of Davyn Ryall placing the emphasis on the intimacy of the play that we feel like voyeurs we are so close and involved with the actors. Christian Bugden in the role of the rich British aristocrat James, is another great new discovery… playing magnificently with admirable natural elegance and his generous subtitle nuance of the role.” - Francine Grimaldi: Radio Canada – En attendant Le Bigot.

“…this is a charming and discreet piece of homosexual theatre that ultimately and ironically insists through the character of William that, ‘just because we were incapable or unwilling to call it what it was does not mean it doesn’t exist.’ - X-TRA magazine Toronto.

“...entertaining ...elegant and witty ...a refreshing mix of Oscar Wilde banter with Jane Austen’s penetrating insight... The real metaphor here is how we all construct fantasies to live in or by...”  – The Globe and Mail

 “...finally a play that is a whole lot more about love and politics than it is about sex or even sexuality.” – The Toronto Sun

“Best of all is Tsonos’ clever, economical, brittle dialogue - a cross between Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. Robert Tsonos’ William and James is a gorgeous play in every sense... not to be missed…”–Classical 96.3 fm

“A heart-tugging look at grief and the bittersweet sorrow of love unacknowledged… Although set over 150 years ago the emotional roller coaster that this couple endure could easily be transported into the year 2000...” – Torontostage.com

“The humour is swift, intelligent and brittle...” – scenechanges.com