2,960 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Aug 14, 2017 22:57:33 GMT
Just seen and really enjpyed ESP final scenes - will add more tmrw when I'm back aty keyboard
|
|
211 posts
|
Post by peelee on Aug 15, 2017 16:55:29 GMT
While not revived in the format in which it was first presented in the 1980s, this production of Road still has something to say about lives as lived then and now, and its chosen format illustrates this and emphasises that, as we meet and re-meet characters and unfolding situations on the night in question. It struck me also that as the London theatre Upstairs that first staged this play, the Royal Court has reminded theatregoers that the Court isn't just famous for the older legendary productions it staged in the 1950s and 1960s but can claim a string of memorable plays down the years since. For all its remit about new writing, and also young writers, there are old glories it can point to, and Road has been worth doing in a period when some its plays in the last so many years have been hit and miss. It's entitled to re-stage this play, and it may even have people seeking out the BBC film version made some years ago by the late, legendary director Alan Clarke.
|
|
3,472 posts
|
Post by showgirl on Aug 20, 2017 16:18:47 GMT
Another occasion when my high hopes were dashed: I was so disappointed and fed up that I was quite angry by the interval. I couldn't fault the acting or production (and had never seen the play before so was unable to compare it with a promenade version), but imo it's not a play - just a succession of random characters babbling on about nothing in particular. At least I got a deal on the ticket but I still regretted the waste of time and money. And whilst others may advise holding on for the second half, there was no way I could tolerate any more of this; in fact I'd have left sooner had I been able to do so discreetly.
|
|
2,960 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Aug 20, 2017 17:33:12 GMT
I'm familiar with the play from the Alan Clarke TV film, and with the setting (I'm from Lancashire, and some of the characters were very recognisable) and I really enjoyed it. There were some strong, affecting performances - I didn't realise Michelle Fairley played three characters until I read the programme afterwards - and a great use of music. The only weak point for me was the bed scene - it went on too long and I wasn't sure what the premise was meant to be (a hunger strike bed-in?) and so it lost me.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2017 9:51:02 GMT
Well. Someone loved Yerma with its plastic box. This one moves up and down though. Take that Piper.
It reminded me of one of those Jimmy McGovern TV dramas that they have on the BBC every now and again starring someone from The Royle Family and someone from Coronation Street.
Terrific cast though and what's lovely about it is that they really work as an ensemble and every actor gets a moment to shine. Special mention must go to Michelle Fairley for her wonderful seduction of a drunken soldier. Hilarious and heartbreaking at the flick of a switch.
It's also rather depressing how little things have changed since then.
|
|
2,960 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Sept 3, 2017 14:44:14 GMT
Special mention must go to Michelle Fairley for her wonderful seduction of a drunken soldier. Hilarious and heartbreaking at the flick of a switch. Fantastic scene, and I didn't realise it was her for a bit!
|
|