Versuchen GOLD - Frei

Note-perfect Hayes is high point of Good Night, Oscar

The Independent

|

August 08, 2025

The Tony-winning Sean Hayes exudes awkward brilliance as troubled American pianist Oscar Levant, says Alice Saville, but this beguiling comedy-drama ultimately lacks depth

- Alice Saville

Note-perfect Hayes is high point of Good Night, Oscar

Hot on the heels of hit Broadway play Stereophonic, there’s another evocative recording studio period piece in town. But where Stereophonic is an epic, following a Seventies-era band gradually spiralling as they spend months cutting a record, Good Night, Oscar is a miniature that's set on an explosive single night. In a tight 100 minutes, it follows troubled Hollywood character actor, pianist, and comedian Oscar Levant on his last ever TV appearance. In a Tony Award-winning performance, its star Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) drenches this role in pathos and awkward brilliance, his sharp edges and jagged nerves rubbing uncomfortably against the smooth patter of a 1958 episode of Tonight Starring Jack Paar.

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON The Independent

The Independent

The Independent

Macclesfield stun Palace in FA Cup upset for the ages

Non-league Macclesfield produced one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all time by knocking out holders Crystal Palace in a stunning 2-1 upset at Moss Rose.

time to read

3 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Caribbean island helped to ease my midlife loneliness

After feeling anxious and isolated at home, a solo trip to Tobago taught Minreet Kaur the power of human connection

time to read

5 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Trump's 'morality' raises nightmare of ghosts past

The US president's belligerence is causing real fear in South America, reports Sam Kiley from Colombian capital Bogota

time to read

3 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Rosenior kicks-off Chelsea stint with thumping victory

Liam Rosenior crouched down inches from the pitch and then exploded, furiously clapping and encouraging Chelsea's Jamie Gittens. It was a glimpse into the manager, the man and what Chelsea can expect, in what was a good start to his reign and a 5-1 victory in the FA Cup third round over Charlton. Those seconds showed Rosenior is prioritising more than tactics as he succeeds Enzo Maresca.

time to read

3 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Women quitting X means the predators win, so I'm staying

The internet has always hated women; it was only a matter of time until it started undressing them.

time to read

3 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

Cruel jail terms are an error government refuses to correct

With the government's Sentencing Bill currently being scrutinised in Westminster, it is opportune to ask why we are not removing what has been described by so many - including Lord Chancellors - as the stain of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) on our system of justice.

time to read

4 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

The Independent's SafeCall campaign backed by Powell

Labour’s deputy leader has joined prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and a wide range of public figures from across Britain in backing The Independent’s incredible SafeCall campaign.

time to read

4 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

‘We are going to stay alive – Ukrainian people are brave’

With temperatures as low as -15C in Ukraine, and more than a million without heat or water, residents tell Alex Croft that life under Russian assault is as difficult as ever in the winter

time to read

4 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

The wonders of Venezuela

One day the turbulent South American country may be safe enough for the average traveller to return

time to read

3 mins

January 11, 2026

The Independent

The Independent

I'm my most confident self in the studio, songwriting. I'm quite a boss in there

Absolutely, the artist born Abby-Lynn Keen, speaks with Roisin O'Connor about her new album 'Paracosm' and the prospect of an upcoming arena tour with her big sister RAYE

time to read

8 mins

January 11, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size