Name: Best of Enemies
Start: 2022-11-14
End: 2023-02-18
Location: Noël Coward Theatre

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Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticket holder who is at least 18 years old. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted.

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Best of Enemies

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Zachary Quinto was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1977. Quinto is an Emmy Award-nominated actor who is best known for starring in *Heroes* and *Star Trek*, as well as Broadway appearances in *The Glass Menagerie* and *The Boys in the Band*. Quinto makes his West End debut as Gore Vidal in *Best of Enemies* at the Noël Coward Theatre.

Quinto developed an interest for performing throughout school. At his high school graduation from Central Catholic High School — notably the same school as playwright August Wilson — Quinto won the Gene Kelly Award for Best Supporting Actor. Quinto then went on to graduate from Carnegie Mellon University’s school of drama.

Upon graduating, Quinto starred in a variety of television shows throughout the 2000s. Quinto made his professional theatre debut in 2010 when cast as Louis Ironson in an off-Broadway revival of *Angels in America*. He then made his Broadway debut three years later, playing Tom Wingfield in *The Glass Menagerie*. In a [New York Theatre Guide review](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/the-glass-menagerie), our critic said: “Zachary Quinto as Tom takes himself very seriously in his monologues but lightens up considerably in his scenes with Jones to the point where the two mine humor in their scenes that I have never seen before.” 

Quinto’s recent theatre credits include Footnote / Fetus Two / Samuel in *Smokefall* at MCC Theater, George in *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, and an all-star revival of *The Boys in the Band* at the Booth Theatre, alongside Jim Parsons and Andrew Rannells. 

Aside from theatre, Quinto’s enjoyed a successful television and film career. He played Adam Kaufman in the third season of *24*, before playing Sylar in *Heroes* for four seasons. He was then cast as a young Spock, originally played by Leonard Nimoy, for the 2009 *Star Trek* film, later reprising the Spock character for *Star Trek Into Darkness* and *Star Trek Beyond.* In 2011, he joined the American Horror Story franchise, playing Chad in season one, and Dr. Oliver Thredson in season two. 

Zachary Quinto now makes his West End debut as Gore Vidal in *Best of Enemies.* Quinto will star alongside David Harewood. *Best of Enemies* runs in the West End from November 2022 to February 2023.

Zachary Quinto - LON

From political drama *This House* to musical *[Tammy Faye](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26183-tammy-faye-tickets)*, James Graham has demonstrated a genius for chronicling modern history – and for joining the dots to our contemporary concerns. *[Best of Enemies](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/26173-best-of-enemies-london-tickets)* is no exception, showing how a TV debate during the 1968 American Presidential election contributed to our current catastrophic polarisation. With [Zachary Quinto](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/zachary-quinto-film-roles-television-appearances-and-stage-performances) joining the cast for this West End transfer (from the [Young Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/best-of-enemies-review-young-vic)), and a different but equally combustible context, Graham’s play is as compelling and thought-provoking as ever.

Those two debaters are the serious-minded, arch-conservative William F Buckley, who founded the right-wing magazine *National Review*, and Gore Vidal, the liberal, bisexual writer and professional provocateur. They’re brought together by the head of failing TV network ABC, which trails behind its rivals. But might a deviation from the usual neutral approach – “unconventional” coverage of the Republican and Democratic conventions – help ABC’s ratings?

Of course it does. The prize fights between Buckley and Vidal were, and are, spellbinding. America had never seen anything like it; now, sadly, squabbling talking heads are the norm, though none are as articulate or principled as this pair, who actually try to listen to one another. That’s the innate tragedy of Graham’s tale, that their sincere efforts to debate important issues had the terrible consequence of birthing completely biased networks like Fox, as opinion usurped truth and entertainment trumped news. 

The casting of black actor David Harewood as Buckley is a masterstroke, since it prevents audiences from immediately writing him off – even though he hosts Enoch Powell on his show. Harwood brilliantly conveys the rather pompous, precious Buckley’s warring motivations: ambition and ego, yes, but also a genuine concern for the future of his country. He will reluctantly conquer television if it furthers his cause, whereas Vidal relishes the spotlight as much as the argument.

American actor [Zachary Quinto](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/zachary-quinto) – best known here for playing Spock in the *Star Trek* movies, but a Broadway veteran too – is a closer match to Vidal physically than Charles Edwards, who originated the role; he drawls Vidal’s waspish putdowns with aplomb. His version is more sardonic and steely, too, his inflammatory naughty-boy humour occasionally edging into cruel. 

Most interestingly, Quinto makes it clear that Vidal’s emotional detachment is a necessary armour: rejecting the world before it can reject him, for his queerness or anything else. When he’s forced by events to abandon that detachment, it’s a genuinely shattering moment. Perhaps it’s too reductive to say that Quinto, who has spoken passionately about his own sexuality and gay rights, has more of a personal investment here. But however he arrived at this nuanced and moving performance, it makes it well worth revisiting the play.

Jeremy Herrin’s versatile ensemble gives dynamic context to what could be a rather static piece – along with archive images and videos (Bunny Christie’s design incorporates an edit suite and TV screens) which conjure a febrile 1960s, from Vietnar War protests to assassinations. Clare Foster is excellent as Buckley’s savvy spouse, as is Kevin McMonagle as ABC’s gutsy news chief Elmer Lower, and John Hodgkinson as the beleagured debate moderator and Chicago’s foul-mouthed “law and order” mayor. Deborah Alli gives powerful voice to Aretha Franklin, while Tom Godwin supplies a hilarious Andy Warhol cameo.

But the sharpest rebuke from history comes via the writer and civil rights campaigner James Baldwin, played with oratorical flair and unmistakeable moral authority by Syrus Lowe. He points out that the fact the world isn’t full of kindness and consensus might be news to some (essentially: privileged white people), but not to others – and that there’s a marked difference between debating ideas intellectually and fighting for your life. 

It’s just one of several parallels summoned here between 1968 and today – along with the rise of the echo-chamber culture wars and identity politics, the generational gap widening, police brutality, discussions around immigration and the right to protest, and weighted terms like “elites” and “the silent majority”. Plus, of course, the decidedly imperfect role of television in deciding who leads us. 

But if all of that sounds like awfully hard work, it’s really not. Graham, unlike our declining discourse, has no problem combining complex ideas with fiery, funny and thoroughly gripping drama. 

*Best of Enemies is at the Noel Coward Theatre through 18 February. Book Best of Enemies tickets on London Theatre.*

[![LT - CTA - 250](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1t6HRGmhlYl70k6PmR0mOZ/3caac861bc1d4233cd7844652c925623/LT-CTA-250.png)](https://ticket.londontheatre.co.uk/booking/calendar?product_id=26173&content_product_id=26173&venue_id=128)

*Photo credit: David Harewood and Zachary Quinto in Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre (Photo by Johan Persson)*

'Best of Enemies' review – Zachary Quinto is a superb addition to this fiery, thought-provoking political drama

**Noël Coward Theatre** is a popular venue in the heart of London that continues to draw audiences with its excellent choice of productions. This theatre is a prominent part of London's cultural fabric and has been a part of the city's arts scene since its opening in 1903. Named after the renowned playwright, Noël Coward, it was formerly known as the Albery Theatre. The theatre has a remarkable capacity of 872 seats, offering a fascinating range of viewing experiences. The venue is well-known for its diverse productions, ranging from musicals to classic plays and modern dramas. Past productions include 'Half a Sixpence', 'The Vortex', and 'Deathtrap'. The Theatre's design is a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, mirroring the diverse array of productions it hosts. The richly decorated interior adds to the sensory experience, making viewing a performance here a complete theatrical event. 

 **How to Get There** 
 The theatre is located in St Martin's Lane, a short walk from Leicester Square and Covent Garden tube stations. This makes the venue quite easily accessible by public transportation. There are also numerous bus routes which stop nearby. For patrons driving to the venue, there is a car park nearby in Chinatown. The theatre also offers bicycle racks for those who prefer to cycle.

Noël Coward Theatre - LON

Noël Coward Theatre

The Noël Coward Theatre is a prominent London venue known for diverse theatrical productions; accessible via public transportation, parking, and cycle.

Read all about Zachary Quinto and his latest London theatre shows at LondonTheatre.co.uk

Zachary Quinto - Stars on Stage | London Theatre

Noel Coward Theatre

Noël Coward Theatre - TodayTix

The Noël Coward Theatre opened as the New Theatre on 12 Mar. 1903. In 1973, the theatre’s name was changed from the New Theatre to the Albery Theatre, as a tribute to the theatre’s long-serving manager Sir Bronson Albery. Sir Cameron Mackintosh acquired the theatre through his company, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, in 2005 and renamed the theatre in memory of the famous playwright, Noel Coward.

The theatre famously played host to two theatre companies whose theatres were destroyed during the Blitz – the [Old Vic](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/old-vic-theatre) and [Sadler’s Wells](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/sadlers-wells) both performed at the theatre until their new theatres were built in the 1950s. 

The theatre also played host to the premiere of Lionel Bart’s world famous musical *Oliver!* The show was a huge success, running for 2,618 performances.

Several notable actors have appeared in productions at the theatre, including [Judi Dench](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/judi-dench), [Helen Mirren](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/helen-mirren) and [Patrick Stewart](https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/actor-profile/patrick-stewart). 

## Noël Coward Theatre Seating Information

The auditorium has four levels - Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.

The Stalls offers excellent views throughout. The high setting of the stage allows for good views.

The view from the Royal Circle is completely unobstructed and the seating is well raked.

The Grand Circle is set fairly high, but again offers unobstructed views of the stage. 

Whilst the Balcony is high, the seats are well raked and comfortable with a good amount of legroom.

Noël Coward Theatre - London Theatre

Opened in 1903, the Noël Coward Theatre, previously New Theatre and Albery Theatre, hosted various theatre companies and famous productions like 'Oliver!'. Actors include Judi Dench and Helen Mirren.

NoelCowardTheatre-SeatingMap-862 x1320 px

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