Daniel Ryan stars opposite Claire Rushbrook in David Eldridge's new play about a middle aged couple who have reached a crossroads in their marriage. The play opened to previews from the 27th April and has had outstanding reviews by critics. There has been particular praise for the acting with The Evening Standard calling their performances 'heartfelt and nuanced', The Telegraph describing them as 'superb' and The Guardian saying the roles of Gary and Maggie are 'terrifically performed'. Time Out singles out both actors for the way they "extract every nuance and layer from the characters" with The Independent praising their "wonderfully nuanced performances, as they slowly peel back the layers to reveal deep-rooted pain and resentment".
Britishtheatre.com calls the acting "sublime", with particular focus on Daniel Ryan saying "As Gary, Daniel Ryan effortlessly is the average “Essex Geezer” made good....His timing is superb. The script brings a lump to your throat, then rips it out with laughter".
WhatsOnStage also singles out Daniel's portrayal of Gary saying, "In Ryan's wonderful performance, you feel the terrible tug of feeling that he is trying to suppress; his face is a constant reflection of wounded incomprehension and desperation that they can just keep plodding along". BroadwayWorld.com praises "Daniel Ryan's subtlety and nuance as Gary" which is "gorgeously naturalistic" and TheatreCat.com says "Ryan’s Gary is absolutely magnificent in his depiction of man as seemingly a simpler organism than woman...a final admission that he is in the doldrums too is a showstopping cry of sincerity".
The Understudy.co.uk commends Daniel's performance saying, "But it is Ryan who stands out with an incredibly authentic, tender portrait of a man who, despite perhaps on first impression being a simple man with simple pleasures, actually holds deep emotions." The Stage adds to this praise saying "There’s no denying the quality of those performances. Daniel Ryan makes husband Gary a similarly recognisable figure: pushing 50 and questioning his aspirations...later, he viscerally chokes back tears and visibly shudders as he pushes down his hurt".
Middle runs at the National's Dorfman Theatre until Saturday 18th June. Tickets are still available.
Daniel Ryan is available for voiceovers from Anthea Represents. Click his image for his profile page and voiceover showreel.
