GOD OF CARNAGE By Yasmina Reza (Trans by Christopher Hampton) Richmond Theatre 9th March to 14th March and then on tour in the UK The God of Carnage is the God of the Old Testament, the god of the Romans, the god of the Vikings, the god of retribution, the god of destruction and vengeance the god of the playground. But we live in a world where we are mature sophisticated people able to have rational thought and rational, controlled debate. Where violence in an anathema to us and we have a duty to show our rational, controlled, intellectual selves to our youngsters so that they will grow up to be rational, controlled, intellectual, mature members of our society. What a shame then that as productive people it is still the god of the playground, the God of Carnage that rules our lives. Richard E Grant stars in this latest production of the God of Carnage which opened at Richmond Theatre on the 9th of March. I say starred, indeed he did turn in a superb performance then so did the rest of the cast, Serena Evans as his wife, the pair of them visiting the Vallons played by Roger Allam and Lia Williams. A problem has occurred and a fight has ensued where the Vallon’s son has had teeth damaged by the Reille’s son. It is the god of the playground and of vengeance at work how then to resolve this contretemps. Rationally we need a statement of fact and a plan for apology and resolution. Easy, but not so easy when Alain Reille is a top lawyer in the process of dealing with a major drug disaster and you are not to sure if ‘armed’ is the right word to use! If you have ever doubted how good an actor Richard E Grant is watch how much of the story is told by his still look when the others are talking. Skilfully Yasmina Reza works her characters to encompass the disasters of the world and the disaster that lies within. For the God of Carnage is there within us all, ready to destroy us all. This production is faultless even to the aroma of the scent. Reviewed by Evan Rule