The play as a whole has been criticized for its ambitious runtime of over three hours.[16][20][21]
The Almeida production was described in one review[22] as "fluent and seductive", with a "filmic quality", with the multiple set changes well-handled. The premiere was well received and garnered many awards.
In September 2019, The Guardian writers listed it as the 10th best theatre show since 2000.[23]
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Evening Standard Awards | Best Play | Won | [24] | |
| 2014 | Olivier Awards | Best New Play | Won | [25][26] | |
| Best Director | Won | for Lyndsey Turner | |||
| Best Lighting Design | Won | for Tim Lutkin and Finn Ross | |||
| Best Sound Design | Won | for Carolyn Downing | |||
| Best Set Design | Won | for Es Devlin | |||
| Susan Smith Blackburn Prize | Won | for Lucy Kirkwood | [27] |
