The Da Vinci Code - UK Tour

Merged

I was there tonight and for a first preview thought - In terms of the acting and staging along with a really good set for a touring production, I thought it was pretty good.

The problem with it as a piece of theatre, is that if you’ve already read the book/seen the film, there’s nothing really to add from a stage version. As elements of the plot were approaching, and the clues being uncovered, it was, ah yes, I remember this one.

That said, it is a good story and having not seen the film or read the book in years I did enjoy it.

Quite snappy at just 2 hrs 10 minutes (out by 21:45 following a slight delay at the start and speech from the director).

I have to agree that the acting, staging and set were really impressive, but my goodness there was a lot of talking and exposition! It is basically the film on stage (I haven't read the book) so if you've seen the film you'll know every 'revelation' that is coming. I'm not sure if The Da Vinci Code was maybe of it's time but watching it now a lot of it seems rather silly (although yes, I know, elements of it are genuine, or allegedly genuine). It's very fast moving and you need to pay attention or you'll be lost - this is not a show to let your mind wander in! (My 78 year old mother was pretty confused by it!). It was enjoyable and you can see they've invested a lot of time and money in it, but I don't see it being a big hit.

The exposition works in the novel as it feels organic, but you also get more than two hours to live with it. I was hoping they’d find a way to achieve this on stage - it’s a shame they haven’t.

I'm impressed they've managed to make the play shorter than the film.

No not all…. He’s not doing the Mayflower. 

I’m quite pleased he’s not doing Salford either because im not that keen. Depending on who the other actor turns out to be of course! 

I think I saw a different show to everyone else, I thought it was dreadful! Bad acting all around apart from Harman, the script barely scratches the surface of the novel, clues are deciphered within seconds, there's no sense of threat or urgency at any point, the ending is so rushed it feels like the actors themselves can't wait to finish....really not good I'm afraid.

What’s the monk like?

Just had an email from the Liverpool Playhouse saying that the producers have cancelled the 2nd half of the tour. Last dates are at the Lowry.

Well it's come along 10 years too late. The moment has passed, Dan Brown mania is long dead. This would've been an absolute smash back in the day, nowadays it's just passé.