The Winterling

by Jez Butterworth

West waits in a burnt-out farmhouse, on Dartmoor, in the depths of winter, for two associates from the city. The wine has been poured and the revolver loaded. But who is waiting upstairs? This is the new play from the author of Mojo and The Night Heron, published alongside its premiere at the Royal Court Theatre in 2006.

Genres: Plays, Drama

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Henry! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silly good

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Butterworth consciously set about to imitate his mentor, Pinter, with this enigmatic play - but it owes just as much, if not more, to the 'gangster comedies' of Martin McDonagh. Even though I haven't a clue what it all means, it is suitably intriguing and funny enough to keep one guessing - and entertained - and contains a plethora of great audition monologue material.

[Connor Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cool play, I’d love to see it live. Butterworth is a fantastic playwright. Balances humour, pace, and tension extremely well in my opinion.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just blew through this during a slow day at work, would love to see it performed live. I recently saw the Broadway production of Butterworth's Jerusalem and was intrigued to read more by this fascinating playwright. The Winterling does not disappoint.

[cec the kitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Butterworth, and this play is no exception. It's incredibly dark, Pinteresque with the way it guts you, and just as cold as its setting and title suggests. So much more than it seems.

[notgettingenough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Well, if you hate Theatre of the Absurd, like it seems everybody I know does, then steer well clear.