Post by David J on Dec 15, 2018 17:35:38 GMT
A mixed one this
On the positive side Simon Godwin has attempted to streamline this tricky play with some good results. Chiefly this is only 2 hours and 15 minutes and rarely slows down
I particularly like how Godwin has taken the repetitive scenes where Timon’s friends refuse to send money and combined them to be played at the same time. Nice use of lighting as they switch back and forth
On the other hand Alcibiades’ trial scene has been cut out. A scene that admittedly comes out of nowhere, but despite a hearty performance by Debbie Korley the scenes abscence means her motives are unclear in the second act.
By the way I wonder when Godwin decided to use yellow jackets for Alcibiades’ army
Timon’s opulence is nicely portayed by the golden set design in contrast the Black suited debt collectors and the desolate second half
The problem is that whilst Kathryn Hunter gives a good performance as the naive Timon, clearly she doesn’t have the vocal stamina for the demanding second act. She plays it safe during Timon’s misanthropic rants which as a result lacks impact.
I think Nia Gwynn would make a good Feste, but when it comes to the viciously cynical dog known as Apemantus her bite is lacking. It’s telling during her encounter with the misanthropic Timon where the two descend to hurling stuff and abuse at each other. Here it feels half hearted
Patrick Drury meanwhile tends to act his lines, delivering them with eloquence but doesn’t convince as the loyal servant Flavius
Everyone else though gives strong performances as Timon’s false friends, the debt collectors and the mob
I prefer the Simon Russel Beale production but this isn’t without its merit. A 2 hour 15 minutes production that doesn’t drag and makes an acceptable introduction this rarely performed play
On the positive side Simon Godwin has attempted to streamline this tricky play with some good results. Chiefly this is only 2 hours and 15 minutes and rarely slows down
I particularly like how Godwin has taken the repetitive scenes where Timon’s friends refuse to send money and combined them to be played at the same time. Nice use of lighting as they switch back and forth
On the other hand Alcibiades’ trial scene has been cut out. A scene that admittedly comes out of nowhere, but despite a hearty performance by Debbie Korley the scenes abscence means her motives are unclear in the second act.
By the way I wonder when Godwin decided to use yellow jackets for Alcibiades’ army
Timon’s opulence is nicely portayed by the golden set design in contrast the Black suited debt collectors and the desolate second half
The problem is that whilst Kathryn Hunter gives a good performance as the naive Timon, clearly she doesn’t have the vocal stamina for the demanding second act. She plays it safe during Timon’s misanthropic rants which as a result lacks impact.
I think Nia Gwynn would make a good Feste, but when it comes to the viciously cynical dog known as Apemantus her bite is lacking. It’s telling during her encounter with the misanthropic Timon where the two descend to hurling stuff and abuse at each other. Here it feels half hearted
Patrick Drury meanwhile tends to act his lines, delivering them with eloquence but doesn’t convince as the loyal servant Flavius
Everyone else though gives strong performances as Timon’s false friends, the debt collectors and the mob
I prefer the Simon Russel Beale production but this isn’t without its merit. A 2 hour 15 minutes production that doesn’t drag and makes an acceptable introduction this rarely performed play
