Cristabel Sved’s production does justice to Pinter’s brilliant play. Excellent stagecraft is displayed by set and costume designer Melanie Liertz, co-lighting designers Verity Hampson and Luna Ng, composer Steve Toulmin, sound designer Johnny Yang, and audio visual designer Aron Murray. The performances were excellent. 

****.5 (Sydney Arts Guide)

As the reverse narrative unravels, like film off a spool, director Cristabel Sved maintains a steady and illuminating pace…and splendid work from the three actors…A very fine production of a close to 50-year-old classic. See it. 

****.5 (Stage Noise)

A stripped back Sport For Jove production at the Old Fitz, is a masterclass in deceit …As director Cristabel Sved deftly rolls back Pinter’s tape, all that we believed was genuine implodes. Friendly overtures are revealed as loaded snares; memory elides truth to serve fantasy; and language doubles and darts out like a snake to hiss secret, second meanings. 

**** (Sydney Morning Herald)

Director Cristabel Sved strips the production down to near black-box simplicity… it’s a joy to see it brought to life in such an intimate space… It’s all about character, and this cast clearly revels in it. The show is very good. 

**** (Cultural Binge)

Cristabel Sved’s direction is meticulous. She trusts Pinter’s text – and her actors – to do the heavy lifting. The classic Pinter pauses are as important as the lines, and the transitions help to draw you in with clarity and restraint. The performances are precise and piercing, the direction refined, and the impact lingers long after the curtain call.

(The Scoop)

A Pinteresque Triumph: BETRAYAL’s Raw Passion Shines at Old Fitz…Sved’s deft direction brings this superb ensemble together with eloquent and sophisticated staging. The Old Fitz’s intimate space is a gift and a challenge—being so close to the actors amplifies every emotion, pulling you into their raw, confrontational world. See it for the Pinteresque experience and the fine engaging performances under Sved’s apt and artful direction.

(Broadway World)

Betrayal is Pinter at his best and this Sport for Jove production does a fine job of presenting it.

(Australian Arts Review)

Cristabel Sved directs with deference to Pinter’s intent, allowing the characters to be authentic, faulty, human…it’s very tight and the performances are riveting.

(Arts Hub)