Rufus Sewell’s performance in Closer embarrasses audience members

Rufus Sewell’s turn in Josie Rourke’s production of Patrick Marber’s Closer at the Donmar Warehouse has won rave reviews. Still, the A Knight’s Tale actor confides to Mr S that not everyone has been so enamoured by the play, which examines the cruelty of modern relationships.

‘We had a performance on Valentine’s Day which probably wasn’t the most romantic thing for an audience to watch. A lot of people come to the show not realising what the play is really about, the other night I overheard a couple who had been on a first date and as they were leaving one said [of the play] “it’s just so embarrassing”.’

Not that ticket sales have taken a hit, with the run nearly sold out. Speaking at the London Diarists’ club luncheon at Knightsbridge’s Mandarin Oriental, Sewell says that despite the demand he is unable to extend his run due to other acting commitments. ‘I’m going straight to Vancouver to film for The Man in the High Castle which we already did a pilot for,’ he says.