The Daily Mirror, 18 July 2003
by Kevin O'Sullivan

**Thanks, Bertilla

He has been away too long. But after an almost unbelievable 11 year absence the great Kenneth Branagh returned to the London stage last night and took it by storm.

I have never seen him live before. But after one of the most breathtaking performances it has ever been my privilege to witness, this much I can tell you: the man is an extraordinary actor.

The National Theatre provided Britain's finest thespian with one hell of play in which to showcase his boundless ability. David Mamet's shocking tale of a middle-class New York businessman's descent into madness, murder and demonic debauchery doesn't so much tell story as launch a full-frontal assault.

Mild-mannered Edmond Burke visits a fortune teller whose plain truths bring him to the climactic decision that he must immediately walk out on his wife. After leaving the marital home he careers headlong into the seedy side of America. He hires prostitutes, viciously beats a black pimp and horrifically stabs a waitress to death.

Mamet stares deep into the terrible failure of Manhattan's seething melting pot in a play about modern America: the sexless marriages, the divisive hatred and fear. After a decade starring in films like Frankenstein and Dead Again, there was magic in the air as Ken his bow to a standing ovation. Incredibly, this was his debut at the National. But I think he may have found his spiritual home. He'll be back.