"A cunningly constructed play. For a show about death and the limits of compassion, Bea is Surprisingly joyous. At times it is killingly funny."--Lyn Gardner, The Guardian "In Bea [Gordon] has moved from self-identity to how that self communicates and is understood by others - that is, empathy. In the process he has transformed the philosophy lecture into a subtle, complex, challenging piece of theatre. It works. The pace and structure are deftly controlled and layered. "--Richard Dennis, The Financial Times "What's striking in the comedic and non-naturalistic impulses Gordon brings into play.

He shows us not the bedridden body, but rather Bea's spirit, the lustily bouncy young woman trapped inside. The final image of release - Bea leaping up once again and dancing on the bed - is a life affirming, and death-affirming, glimpse of ecstasy."--Kate Bassett, The Independent "A subtle, complex, challenging piece of theatre. It works. The pace and structure are deftly controlled and layered. " - Richard Dennis, The Financial Times "Direct and frank. unlike any other play I've seen this year, and beautifully played" - Michael Coveney, Whatsonstage.com "A piece of inventive, touching, and often disconcertingly amusing theatre" - Daily Telegraph.