Protests were expected to accompany the opening of Bitter Wheat, David Mamet’s new play about a disgraced Hollywood mogul inspired by Harvey Weinstein. Controversy had been stirred up due to its anticipated take on the #MeToo movement. As it happens, I did get a leaflet thrust into my hand as I entered the Garrick Theatre. More on that later.

Sadly Bitter Wheat, which is John Malkovich’s first West End acting gig in nearly three decades, is a pile of chaff. Malkovich plays Barney Fein, a powerful Hollywood producer who is brought down by sexual misconduct. The parallels with the downfall of Weinstein are reinforced by Malkovich’s hulking gait and abrasive manner, recalling the disgraced studio head.