Tuesday, 29 April 2014

King Lear, The Olivier

29th April, 2014

Present: Nic, Kate, Helen

When it opened, with men in suits around a conference table, it created a sense of deja vu with a remarkably strong resemblance to Othello last year.  However, there the similarities ended.  Whilst that was compelling, gripping, powerful and filled with pathos, this was boring, rigid, dull and filled with utterly unlikable characters.

Simon Russell Beale?  I don't get it.

Great ice cream at the National though.

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

The Weir, Wyndam's Theatre

January 22nd, 2014

Present: Brian and others

A last minute work trip meant I missed this one and the reviews from those present meant I never quite mustered the energy to try again.

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Strangers on a Train, The Gielgud

15th January, 2014

Present: Nic, Brian, Alex, Kate, Nic, Shakeh, Jan

Prosecco started the evening with a little style and , sadly, the rest of the evening was more style then substance.  Cleverly black and white with great use of light and shadows, a film noir played out before our eyes but the director was overwhelmed by and overused his ingenious revolving stage - it divided niftily into "thirds" but the acoustics meant that we could hear the bangs and scrapes of set changes on the two thirds that were off stage over and above the action on stage.

Disappointing but only £10 so not too disappointing.

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

Lebensraum, Jakop Ahlbom

January 14th, 2014

Present: Nic and Alex

Astonishing, beautiful, magical; silent movie brought to life and stage; mime and dance combined in an enchanting tale of love and rivalry.  The physical control and power (especially the female role) were  extraordinary.  The escape via suitcase through a wall (and seemingly a person) was a jaw-dropping how-did-they-do-that moment to never forget.