The York Realist - Donmar Warehouse / Crucible Sheffield

Been to the first preview tonight. Definitely go for those temporary seats. They’re very comfy and have huge amounts of legroom. They’ve reduced the size of the thrust by at least half but even then there’s still s good 8 feet or more between the front of the stage and row AA. The last few rows have been curtained off and it’s still “rattling” a bit in the space so Id go for the front.

I was a bit disappointed after Act 1 after all the glowing reviews. All that “Nay don’t fret, ‘ave already put your tea up” and “is kettle on Mother?” Doesn’t work up here because yes, lots of us really speak like that. It was ok but I couldn’t help thinking of the W1 set marvelling at the funny accents. Happier with the intensity of act 2 and really enjoyed it by the end but five stars? Not for me.

I just thought the whole “northern” thing was a bit over played. It’s probably me. I’ve probably got a hideous chip on my shoulder or something 🙂.

I agree the acting was good. It’s a classy production all round.

Not to mention pie with evap.

They should do tinned peaches and carnation in little tubs at the interval.

Quite a nice piece here - happy endings for George and John? www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p062kxf6

Hi Jonnyboy, and I was at the same performance, on a jolly over from Manchester. Where were you sat? I can imagine it being even more tender in a smaller space, but heck, I was in that room, enjoying every smile, every held silence, willing the gents to stay together. I was with a German friend and had to explain what a Mystery play was and that we were unlikely to have any dead bodies. But everyone was fantastic, even if the smaller characters didn't particularly have their own arcs, but the John and George story was achingly moving. A lovely production, please go.

I am very jealous... Another one I let slip away when it was on in London. 😞

Did anyone work part George was playing in the Mystery Play. They said that there was no Pontius Pilate. Maybe Herod, but the soldier at the cross wouldn't justify all the praise given him. I so loved this production, and the two leads perfect in their silent looks, and yes both were truly beautiful men.

I'm a little afraid to admit this, considering the near universal praise it's received both generally and on the Board, but on balance, I think I fall into the BurlyBeaR and grannyjx6 camp. It was less of a play, and more of a documentary.

That said, it was very well received by the large Saturday audience, which laughed in all the right places, and applauded with gusto, as did I.

I don't want this thread to end negatively, so would someone please post something positive!!!

I went to Sheffield to see this yesterday. Comparing it to the Donmar production, as you’d expect, it was a little less subtle given the larger auditorium. The set looked quite small and I was a little worried that it wouldn’t be as good. The audience laughed a lot more than my viewings in London - notably at the Yorkshire vs London references, and the excellent delivery by all of the cast, but particularly Lesley Nichol. 

The pay-off to the “bigger” performances was in act 2 - the desperation and sadness in George’s face almost thoughout the second half, the anger and frustration in their final exchanges in particular came across more so than at the Donmar, but also the passion between them, and the feeling of loss seem greater than ever. I’m afraid I became more certain that there wasn’t an alternative happy ending for John and George. George would end up alone and regretting his decision, maybe Doreen who I think also loved him (more caringly than pasionately) would compromise and marry someone else, and John move on, but always hold a special place for George. Achingly heartbreaking but such a wonderful production and play.

Oh go on, for the forum, maybe John moved to York, started his own theatre company and George joined and pursued his new career as an actor and they had the best of both worlds visiting friends in London and living together on the farm when they weren’t working in York.

PS. I understand the young lad playing the nephew was making his stage debut.
PPS. In an interview somewhere I posted, George is referred to as playing one of the soldiers.

I think both would have ended up alone.. George was certainly aware of his choices, but couldn’t see a way out from the farm, his life there and his “lack of ambition”. 

John may well have had a series of other relationships and regret his choice, but realise that he would never find “the one”. Finally, in better times, they might have been reunited?