Dan Ayling Director
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"Ayling is a director with a very clear vision."
Fringe Review
Dan is mentioned in a Guardian feature about Katie Mitchell, written by Charlotte Higgins.
He also features in an article about young directors in The Stage
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WHO DID I THINK SHE WAS? (2019)
"...a well-constructed, well-told and thoroughly engaging story, whose resonance and
relevance is amplified by such a personal telling. An unusual show, part stand-up and
part theatre, but 100% worth watching and engaging with."
****Fringe Guru
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TO SEE THE INVISIBLE (2018)
"Dan Ayling’s impeccable white-plastic staging..."
The Daily Telegraph
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"Dan Ayling's production feels intensely poised... strong and vibrant..."
****BachTrack
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"Directed by Dan Ayling with slick efficiency."
The Guardian
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"Dan Ayling's surreal, dreamlike and occasionally nightmarish production [is] a confident staging."
The Stage
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"...intriguing and effective, largely thanks to the superb performances in combination with the highly contrasting staging."
**** Rhinegold, Opera Now
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"...a step into the future... gets under the skin..."
****Financial Times
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DESERT DUST AT THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM (2017)
"Dan Ayling brings sensitivity and deftness to the darker themes of the show,
while also bringing a requisite charm and magic to proceedings."
**** Breaking the Fourth Wall
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"A heart-warmingly loving tale for the whole family to enjoy."
**** The Spy in the Stalls
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THE TRAP (2017)
"Dan Ayling's zippy direction makes this a sparkling comedy ... smart, quick and full of high interest."
**** The Reviews Hub
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"Flourishing under Dan Ayling's agile direction, this is exhilarating comedy."
**** Everything Theatre
"A sharp, insightful play, enjoyable and acerbic in equal measure."
**** London Theatre 1
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"Immensely witty [and] entertaining - a great evening out."
**** West End Wilma
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"Fine comedy theatre ... crammed full of ideas, sharp writing, charismatic performances and evocative set design.
A winner!"
**** London City Nights
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GLORIANA (2016)
"A stylish production."
Tom Hickox, chairman of St Endellion Festival
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2015/16)
"A surprising, quirky production. There's a mischievous twinkle about everything the company get up to."
* * * * The Telegraph
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"Jim Broadbent is a genius Scrooge."
* * * * The Times
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"Real theatrical magic."
* * * * The Stage
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VAST WHITE STILLNESS (2015)
"An atmospheric act of ghosting. A fascinating delicate thing - like a skeletal winter leaf."
The Stage
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"A perfect site-specific creation and a wonderful journey through the nether world of the mind."
* * * * The Argus
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STRUILEAG (2014)
"Ayling's direction has a fresh, utterly engaging vitality."
* * * * The Herald
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COSÌ FAN TUTTE (2014)
"A sparkling new production."
* * * * WhatsOnStage
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"Joyfully liberated. Fresh and spontaneous."
* * * * The Independent
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"A superb and imaginative take on a classic operatic comedy"
* * * * The Arts Desk
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FLOW (2013)
"Immersive and captivating. Stunning work."
The Londonist
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"An elegant yet powerful performance. A definite must-see."
The Upcoming
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"Mesmerising. Physically and emotionally rewarding."
Spoonfed
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WRITTEN ON SKIN (2012)
"Nothing short of a triumph. A musical masterpiece."
* * * * * The Guardian
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"Here is a new opera that is palpably a serious and important work of art, both exquisitely crafted
and deeply resonant."
* * * * * The Telegraph
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REMEMBER ME (2012)
"Captivating. An exquisitely beautiful meditation on memory."
* * * * * The Scotsman
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CLEMENCY (2012)
"Ayling delivered Clemency as the short, sharp operatic shock it is."
* * * * The Scotsman
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FEWER EMERGENCIES (2011)
"Ayling's brave revival makes this staging among the cream of fringe theatre in London."
On The Fringe
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"Ayling has managed to make what could easily be a wordy half hour something sharp and absorbing.
Incredibly impressive."
Spoonfed
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CITY OF LOST ANGELS (2010)
"Unusual and memorable, full of intrigue and immediacy."
* * * * Financial Times
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SHOOT / GET TRESAURE / REPEAT & ESCHARA (2009)
"Ayling recaptures the supercharged intensity he brought to Howard Brenton's Christie in Love last year
and confirms that he is a director to watch."
WhatsOnStage
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"Ayling's poignant and sensitive direction."
* * * * Broadway Baby
"This ensemble of talented actors, strong direction and effectual design delivers a powerful message
about the world we live in today. Well worth watching!"
* * * * * Remote Goat
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CHRISTIE IN LOVE (2008)
"Gripping theatre, directed by Dan Ayling with a sure eye for organised chaos."
* * * * * WhatsOnStage
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"Stunningly revived by Dan Ayling. A succession of theatrical surprises executed with skill.
Deserves much more exposure."
British Theatre Guide
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"Ayling puts a clear focus on gestural honesty. He is bold and passionate in his presentational choices
and captures a real sense of danger."
* * * * Remote Goat
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CAN'T STAND UP FOR FALLING DOWN (2006)
"Ayling has provided a production of great value with meticulous direction. A classy piece that stimulates
and entertains."
* * * * TheatreNET
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THE KISS (2006)
"A remarkable debut of this talented young director."
David Gothard, former Artistic Director of Riverside Studios