The Actor

Brilliantly evoked, totally compelling. A first-class thriller

Brilliantly evoked, totally compelling. A first-class thriller

This compelling psychological thriller set in the acting world is both uncompromising and unsettling, with deeply layered characters and a narrative voice that grabs you from the opening line and won’t let you go. Fascinating.

A barnstorming performance

Twisty, compulsive fun

The Actor is both a compulsive thriller and a fascinating insight into the world of method acting. Chris MacDonald's writing captures it all, and beautifully: from the glamour of Hollywood to the grunge of 90s Camden . It's also very, very moving, packed with characters both lovable and entirely detestable. I adored it.

Ego and ambition, guilt and redemption collide in this masterfully plotted and beautifully written psychological thriller . I couldn’t tear my eyes from the page.

A darkly dazzling and glamorously wicked thriller. Take a bow , Chris MacDonald.

Brilliant, dark, immersive, and ultimately hugely satisfying

What an incredibly tense, immersive debut . I was completely absorbed by this window into the world of method acting and the dark, twisted consequences of such intense commitment. A bravura performance from MacDonald - I didn’t want it to end.

An intense, absorbing read about the danger of sacrificing everything for your art, with echoes - in its fascinating depiction of the relationship between student and mentor - of The Secret History and Black Swan .

Chris MacDonald is a novelist, screenwriter, playwright and actor, who attended a top UK Drama School whose alumnae include Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender. His debut play Eye of a Needle played at the Southwark Playhouse and as an actor he's worked for the BBC, the RSC and Amazon Studios among others. His screenwriting includes social horror This Merrie Land for Agile and his band Playground Champions have soundtracked the ITV show Buffering.