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.
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.
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.