Audience members have been left in tears, walked out halfway through and had "full-blown" arguments with each other, Matt Smith has told the BBC of his new play.
The Doctor Who actor is starring in a new production of Henrik Ibsen's 1882 drama, An Enemy of the People.
During the play, audiences are invited to participate in a townhall discussion and ask "whatever they want".
The FT called it a "brilliant idea that drives home the resonance of the play".
In a four-star review, Sarah Hemming said the audience interaction responds to the play's "central issue by giving people a platform for engagement".
However, she added that the section "could be longer and riskier".
The play centres around a medical officer who discovers that the water in his town's spa is contaminated. He decides to speak up about the truth, but his community attempt to silence him as it is not in their interest for this to be exposed.
Speaking to the BBC after the opening night of the show, Smith said he was drawn to this classic play because "the idea of the audience being able to participate has always appealed to me".
"I really want people to come and engage, put their hands up and say whatever they want to," added The Crown star.
The audience's questions, which are entirely unscripted, have already ruffled a few feathers, and Smith said he has witnessed audience arguments, walk-outs and tears.
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