League of Gentlemen in Art: Your views

The play is written by Yasmina Reza

London stage comedy Art is closing in January after a successful West End run of six years.

The latest and final cast is the comedy troupe The League of Gentlemen, whose first performance took place on 21 October.

"As the story unravels, one is left wondering what the contribution of the famous trio is to this quintessentially Parisian play," wrote BBC News Online's Alexandra Fouché.

But what did you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see a selection of your comments below.

Art is one of those plays that I always meant to see and thought I will always have time to - however in the back of my mind I knew that I probably wouldn't get around to it. When I heard that the League of Gentlemen were going to be in it I was determined to get tickets. I had a very enjoyable night and thought that the cast did the best that they possible could with a play that looks and feels slightly dated. However congratulations to the League for getting me back into the theatre - it's been ages since I last went!
Cathy, UK

I think it's unfair on Mark and Reece Shearsmith to say Steve is the strongest performer on LoG. The three are equally brilliant and they'll bring a new flavour and crowd to ART.
Laura, N. Ireland

Having seen the play with several casts one of the main qualities required is rapport between the charecters who are supposed to have known each other over many years. This in itself is ideal for these actors who clearly have a great rapport together for just that reason. This can only make the show funnier, tighter and mean a whole lot more. The Parisian angle is not as relevant as the character interaction.
Jason, Surrey

The League of Gentlemen bring the genuine chemistry between them to make them the best cast Art has seen!
Yvette, Wales

Previous casts, as far as I'm aware, have made no attempt at authentic French accents; so why should a Northerner be any more out of place in a French role than a Londoner?

Natbat, UK

I think they did an excellent job - the rapport between them was exactly right (missing when I saw it with three "individual" actors a while back). Occasionally they were a little too quiet (they have been on TV a lot) but that is only a minor criticism. They gave a splendid performance and I think it is great they are the cast to see the production off. They are all equally good actors and deserve to be seen more.
Melanie Hill, UK

Even on opening night we were treated to a polished performance. Great play yes, but all three were on top form - especially impressive considering they spend most of their time under three layers of makeup! And I heard every word.
David Passmore, England

Reading the BBC's review of Art, I feel a certain amount of snobbery is involved. As has already been pointed out by Jason, the necessity for the Parisian setting is hardly relevant to the play: the main themes involved being friendship and the controversy over "modern art". It just so happens that Reza's setting was in three Paris apartments.

Previous casts, as far as I'm aware, have made no attempt at authentic French accents; so why should a Northerner be any more out of place in a French role than a Londoner?

In my opinion, this play was one of the best experiences of my life. The interaction between all three characters is such that it feels as if Reza wrote the play with them in mind.

To say that Shearsmith's performance was "adequate" is an understatement of the most disturbing degree... the amount of passion which he in particular (although shared by all the performers) put into the role was something to be truly admired. I left the theatre speechless, and would urge everyone to see it if they have not already booked tickets.
Natbat, England

I saw the show last night. I heard that the critics didn't like it? Not sure why that should be, as the chemistry between the three was excellent. I've nothing to compare it to - never seen the play before, and nor have I read any reviews (the only thing I know is that Jamie Theakston was also in it!) - so I came into the theatre with an open mind. It was superb.

It's interesting that someone's said Steve was the strongest performer, because I thought that Reece stole the show myself, though they were all excellent.
Beck, Guildford, Surrey

We saw it on 18th October, and although it was fairly funny, there was only about 150 people there at the 6pm performance. I think it's run its course now after six years.
Andy Byrne, UK

I saw Art last week and I loved it, by the reaction of the other people in the audience they loved it too. I was suprised at how talented the performers were, I've watched their programme a few times over the years, but had no idea of the range of their ability. Yvan's speech is obviously the highlight of the play and Shearsmith did it wonderfully, I don't know whatelse he could do to satisfy the reviewers, maybe stand on his head?
Miss L Martin, UK

I saw the play last week and it was great, they were brilliant, all three of them. Reece's speech was very clear and everybody laughed right through the performance. I don't think reviewers of this play are being fair to these actors, they seem to be pre-judging them.
Marie Jones, UK