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Post by lynette on Jun 22, 2023 11:37:00 GMT
I’ll never understand why people loved this first time round.
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Post by lynette on Jun 21, 2023 19:50:59 GMT
As someone once said: classics are classics for a reason. At the same time, it's all very well a bunch of middle-aged and old men on here bemoaning the state of the world, but there is no choice other than to platform and encourage next generations. What's the alternative, tell anyone under 40 to sod off to the Royal Court or Netflix?
Just a question of where the balance is, and it will vary depending on so many considerations.
Oi, let’s have some respect please. ‘Middle aged’ and ‘old’ eh? ‘Men’? You mean experienced, mature and knowledgeable theatre goers who have poured a small fortune into the arts over the years and women. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 17, 2023 17:01:59 GMT
alessia seconded. I adored this production, a play that more often bores than entertains, this production was a breath of fresh air. Juliet encapsulated the impatience and impetuosity of youth and for me was exceptional. Never seen so many with tears in their eyes as they left and the ending as per earlier spoiler is inspired. I’m pleased about this but for me, too late! I’m giving R&J a miss. Re spoiler, sounds excellent. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 17, 2023 16:59:59 GMT
I’m sorry to say that I think the Rufus era has been a disaster for the NT. He didn’t take us anywhere in terms of new work or revivals or classical theatre. My attendance just dwindled even before Covid. The Covid era was certainly bad luck for him but post Covid he should have had a few ideas ready to fly. It reminds me of when he took over. I wonder how these guys operate. If you were up for the big job would you not have a few ideas ready based on phone calls to directors, writers and actors? I do not that some of us are happy with his latest programming but as I browse through the brochure I am not inspired. Lots of new plays rather like a Donmar or a Hampstead programme, nothing to say this is the premier theatre of the UK, we put on the very best of international theatre and classical theatre, we have three dynamic spaces and with a repertoire to suit all ages and tastes….I’m dreaming. I went to see the Motive and Cue recently. Drab foyer, nothing happening there or in the vastly open spaces in front, no buskers, nada. Food offerings poor. ( snacks dire) This new restaurant? Anybody fancy? Honestly, they should get a grip. They sit on what must be one of the most iconic bits of real estate in Europe but could be a converted factory in Wembley. Apologies to Wembley but you get my drift. I’m hoping for a couple of new ADs ( yes I’m a pluralist) with ideas, who can take a company with them and create a vibrant theatre venue. I wouldn't say disaster - he's no Greg Doran - but it was a lacklustre appointment. He should have been AD at the Almeida and Rupert Goold should have been at the NT. Nothing to suggest they will make a better appointment next time though. Just to add, I’m reading the Greg Doran book at the moment. I don’t know why I am surprised but it is very good, giving the history of productions he has been involved with, all 36 of them. Some entertaining anecdotes. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 17, 2023 16:58:23 GMT
The Barbican is similar in terms of dead public space, probably has a lot more. I guess we only experience it for 20-30 minutes per visit and, based on that vibrant throng, wonder why isn't there much more for us to do. Rest of the time, seems to only appeals to those looking for a toilet, shelter or free wifi. Barbican certainly attracts those types, too. Brutal by design, brutal by experience. Ha ha, don’t get me started on the Barbican. They couldn’t even make the floor level there. Absurd theatre space. Been discussed many times here. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 23:17:32 GMT
A young Macbeth. Let’s hope he gets a better production than poor Rory Kinnear did at the NT. I don’t think age matters in this role does it? Not like King Lear who must be old enough to have married daughters. Macbeth has no kids, might have lost a baby…sounds rather appropriate. We’ll see.
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 23:12:27 GMT
Utopia wasn’t very good, subChekovian long winded stuff and mostly inaudible from the gallery. The Invention of Love should get a revival, topical subject after all. Arcadia is a masterpiece. To be uneven isn’t a crime ( Cymbeline, anyone?) but tastes do change.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 23:07:40 GMT
My last word ( I can hear ya all)
I would not have been at all surprised if the Arts Council had done an ENO on the NT in the last audit, that is remove funding and ask it go somewhere else.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 23:02:15 GMT
I'm not sure I'd agree the bridge was commercially more successful than the national. They had a lot of terrible plays as well I think Norris has had more hits than misses. Recently especially has been a great run of stuff. I agree they should do more to welcome people in though, the foyer is a little dull. But the Bridge isn’t the “national” theatre, it is a commercial off West End ( admittedly fab location ) venue which has to wash its face and which post Covid has managed to produce a money making popular and artistically excellent show. The NT is supposed to be quality, represent the nation ( all 4 bits of the UK as it currently stands ) and put on European in translation and other English speaking theatre and classical etc but primarily British Drama, no? We can debate a programme and with three venues there is scope for disagreement, space for new work too. It is now just another theatre in London, just as pricey, fewer facilities than some, offering nothing special. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 17:46:35 GMT
High standard i think. IMO the transformation challenge is one of the best bits of telly around.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 17:40:48 GMT
Not trying to be funny but is this suitable for kids? 13 and 11. ( i know the story )
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 17:34:22 GMT
I’m sorry to say that I think the Rufus era has been a disaster for the NT. He didn’t take us anywhere in terms of new work or revivals or classical theatre. My attendance just dwindled even before Covid. The Covid era was certainly bad luck for him but post Covid he should have had a few ideas ready to fly. It reminds me of when he took over. I wonder how these guys operate. If you were up for the big job would you not have a few ideas ready based on phone calls to directors, writers and actors? I do not that some of us are happy with his latest programming but as I browse through the brochure I am not inspired. Lots of new plays rather like a Donmar or a Hampstead programme, nothing to say this is the premier theatre of the UK, we put on the very best of international theatre and classical theatre, we have three dynamic spaces and with a repertoire to suit all ages and tastes….I’m dreaming. I went to see the Motive and Cue recently. Drab foyer, nothing happening there or in the vastly open spaces in front, no buskers, nada. Food offerings poor. ( snacks dire) This new restaurant? Anybody fancy? Honestly, they should get a grip. They sit on what must be one of the most iconic bits of real estate in Europe but could be a converted factory in Wembley. Apologies to Wembley but you get my drift.
I’m hoping for a couple of new ADs ( yes I’m a pluralist) with ideas, who can take a company with them and create a vibrant theatre venue.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 13:03:51 GMT
Lovely idea, Arcadia with R/S and EF going up as it were. If the play is a good one, then a revival will work regardless of who takes the roles.
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 12:58:16 GMT
Travelling down to London this evening from Liverpool and was sat opposite Alison Steadman for the journey. Got talking to her and she really is a lovely lady. ‘Got talking ‘ eh? Like ‘Do I know you from somewhere? ‘ or Can I get you something from the buffet?’ O David, you smoothie. |
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 16, 2023 12:55:05 GMT
Is this where we are discussing the next AD of the NT? Please direct me, ta
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Post by lynette on Jun 14, 2023 17:39:11 GMT
I was in an amateur version of this last year and honestly some of the plot is pretty bizarre - especially the whole Fodor subplot and the song Stiff Upper Lip (every night I did ask myself ‘why ARE these characters here?), as well as the incredibly abrupt ending. It’s a very fun show, but I can imagine people going in blind will find it really weird! Thanks for this. I decided not to with Gkids. I don’t like having to explain stuff. |
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Post by lynette on Jun 14, 2023 17:36:31 GMT
I like your two groups, Alexander. Makes me feel somewhat wanting in the play appreciation department. 😁 I loved this when I saw its first time round at the Old Vic back whenever it was.
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Post by lynette on Jun 14, 2023 17:34:32 GMT
Ridiculous. It’s a play not one of time escape room doodahs. Please whoever does book,post the venue here. Thank you
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 11, 2023 23:14:56 GMT
In light of Andrew Scott doing Vanya all on his ownio, is this what Branagh is doing with this Lear? Seeing an actor putting his own eyes out could be, er, interesting! Rule nothing out |
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Post by lynette on Jun 11, 2023 23:13:07 GMT
A decent enough 3 stars. A clever, quirky, muddle of an evening. Decent performances (although some of the casting is alarmingly weak), Scarborough has a good stab as Churchill and Campbell-Moore excelling. The whole concept of sound-effects is good - but oddly dropped after establishing itself. Average age of audience : 80. The play doesn't know when to stop - with about three false endings. Came away thinking 'and the point of that was...." Got to laugh. I’ll be bringing down the average age then? 😂 |
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Post by lynette on Jun 8, 2023 22:48:26 GMT
In light of Andrew Scott doing Vanya all on his ownio, is this what Branagh is doing with this Lear?
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Post by lynette on Jun 8, 2023 22:29:36 GMT
Glad I booked.
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Post by lynette on Jun 8, 2023 22:27:54 GMT
The production of Henry VIII in the church at Stratford worked a treat. No artificial lighting. A very sucky uppy ending but he gets away with it. Not a dry eye in the house … well church in this case.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 3, 2023 18:06:11 GMT
Not sure I would have confidence in Rubasingham considering the situation which lost them a lot of support that she presided over at The Tricycle now Kiln.
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5,701 posts
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Post by lynette on Jun 3, 2023 18:02:10 GMT
Boy In The Dress was one of the worst things I've had the misfortune of having to sit through - thank god London wasnt subjected to it. I am not alone - hurrah |
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