The Deep Blue Sea, National Theatre

Yes maybe the Noel Coward in the new year or possibly the Wyndhams? I dont know if It would transfer because Helen might not be able to do it, but it's sold out for the majority of the run so it has done great financially and would probably do well if it transferred

You do know there are 3 theatres at the NT don't you? This being in one that is nothing like the New London!

On paper this had everything going for it but my experience was of a good play and nothing more. This was likely due to the seats we had. Second row of the circle is not good for this production. Oh my goodness it feels so far away!

It's a gloomy set - understandably - and you can't really see facial expressions from the front of the circle. For me this is a huge problem. This is an intense intimate play and losing facial acting loses 50% of the play or more. I suppose this can't be a criticism of the production, more the seats.

Sound quality is not good. Helen McCrory I could hear every word. The judge husband however... No projection at all! I understand he's quiet and clipped but there are people who've paid to hear you! I remembered him from The Late Middle Classes also opposite HM. Same projection issues there too. Lots of audience coughing didn't help either tonight.

Set lovely. Reminded me of Skylight but felt too big.

Some great acting and several electrifying moments - when Freddie slams the shilling on the table there's a gasp from the audience.

I guess I was just let down by feeling so distant from the stage and you wouldn't necessarily think the front of a circle would feel remote. Worth seeing up close or on screen but far back you only really have the dialogue to go off. If you can hear it.

Acoustic in Lyttleton terrible. We also had a prob hearing one or two lines and we were in the middle of the stalls towards the front. Yes, stage dark. Hard to see the easel at the back until Helen McCrory touched it. 

It's miced (sp?) now, I was front row and you could see the hair/ear mic pieces, I did wonder why but perhaps this is the reason, presumably wasn't earlier in the run?

Lovely gloomy one for me, have been on a bit of middle theatre run of late but perhaps that was the issue, they just weren't miserable enough for me! Interesting set, rather liked the music, added to the feel for me and loved the acting, was quite happy hating Tom Burke's character through the first half and was then forced to relent and admit it wasn't that simplistic. Lovely scenes with the husband which has noted was lost completely when this was made into a film, much more nuanced in the play form I thought. Loved Helen McCrory, couldn't remember from the film how it ended (it was THAT good) so all rather tense, she does a good line in shaking and apparent control crumbling into despair. Touching scenes with the 'doctor' and good support from the landlady.

Joined in second half in seat next to me with man with the noisiest beard and for once my pointed stare worked, I was quite proud of myself until I reflected that it probably means I am turning into my mother who could Paddington stare for Britain.

Sorry, late night typing is not remotely comprehensible, not at all rude, you are quite safe, he was a very scratchy man and his stubbly beard sat in front row seats so very close to my ear. was very noisy when scratched for what seemed an excessive amount of time for presumably an itch.

I feel I should have had a more interesting response now.

Depends if they're willing to wait a bit. Otherwise, the Phoenix for a very limited run? Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't transfer.

I'd probably think the Wyndham's after No Man's Land, keep in mind they don't have to transfer straight away.

I'm thinking it'll be either Ross or JCSS for the Phoenix

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. There are quite a few actors in this category that I won't name. The art of acting is appearing not to be acting at all and appearing completely natural, or appearing to do nothing at all.

Theatremonkey, yes, it certainly was on the matinee I attended.