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Post by lynette on Apr 23, 2023 22:42:15 GMT
lynette unable to make Stratford that weekend, preference would be to see it in the Swan so will keep a lookout for returns in the next few weeks. Sorry you didn't make it this weekend. The Swan now a tad more comfortable with individual seats , not that bench stuff. It was a pleasant afternoon in the theatre but this play does not light my fire. Note, I haven't read the book and people who had said it was very different to it. It was chronological. It went through Will’s life from boyhood, meeting Agnes ie Ann Hathaway, the marriage, the babies, Will’s going to London and becoming one of the greatest writers in the Western canon, the death of Hamnet. The play should have been called ‘Agnes’ because it is about her. She has healing powers and mystically hears and sees the dead. There is no ‘arc’ for her; she remains the same except for overwhelming grief. The other persons in Will’s life are sketched in: a sister, a baby brother, a dead sister and his daughters, a grumpy one and a mystic one. Hamnet is presented as a clever chap who loved and was beloved of all. His mother, Mary Arden, an important person imo, gets a few lines about her family and losing the money but his father is shown as a violent bully. Nuanced, not. Whether this will be a ‘hit’ coming to London, I can’t say but I think it would be a shame if it is taken as definitive, believed to be what happened. I think to sum up, it is plodding, repetitive ( two screaming birth scenes ) and unhistoric, lacking in dramatic power or development, clunky in the use of ‘poetic’ language and Shakespearean cliches. ( Burbage is always a large, no nonsense action man, isnt it?) Let us know what you think, Neil, when you have seen it. I also saw Cymbeline. Different kettle of fish. |
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Post by lynette on Apr 20, 2023 19:29:16 GMT
It's a worry for domestic violence organisations who have given 'secret phones' to victims Yes I read about that earlier too. If anyone does need to opt-out, there's information on how to do so here: www.gov.uk/alerts/how-alerts-workThe government are urging people not to opt-out unless you really need to, since the system is intended to alert people to significant danger. But it's good to get the information out there for people who may be worried about the implications on their personal circumstances. I don't want to be that person who is always contrary and I believe other countries have similar systems in place (anyone any experience of this?) but what kind of danger are we talking about here? Nuclear attack? As Rylance’s character says in that movie, ‘Would it help?’ Other dangers are more local, surely, flooding in Worcester say or mad dogs in Birmingham so what not test locally? Why this ooo aaaah the whole country stuff? Just gets on people’s what’s its. |
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Post by lynette on Apr 10, 2023 18:41:55 GMT
I was disappointed not to get a ticket cos didnt try til too late but perhaps I can live without this one.
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Post by lynette on Apr 10, 2023 18:39:23 GMT
I've been thinking about this and you're probably right Steve about the theatres. I don't think the SWP could have generated that carnival feel, but I chose a bad seat in the Globe and was warm and comfortable (as much as is possible) in the SWP, so a lot was down to my personal comfort! I liked the opening scene with the weird meal. I think it was well set up in the first 20 mins or so, but the emotionally distanced Leontes meant it was hard to find any kind of sympathy for him later. The statue scene was well done, but Leontes just doesn't deserve his happy ending and this production did nothing to help the audience over that problem. But I'd give it 3 stars too, and would really like to see another play using both theatres. Leontes never deserves his happy ending - he more or less killed his son anyway, so even in Shakespeare’s terms he is not redeemable. |
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Post by lynette on Apr 10, 2023 18:37:37 GMT
Rachel Broady obviously picked the wrong shows to go to. I was enthralled by theatre from day one, everything I was taken to by my mum and dad, from Lennie the Lion to drawing room comedies and then when I got to choose back in the day, London, I didn't feel in any way oppressive. I think she is daft.
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Post by lynette on Apr 9, 2023 18:12:43 GMT
Needs to be said on the telly in same time and format as the first remarks. That is what people watch. Not everyone who saw her in the first place has twitter.
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Post by lynette on Apr 8, 2023 18:56:30 GMT
Guys & Dolls won’t be eligible?? That’s probably good news to any other musical this season. But makes the awards meaningless. |
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Post by lynette on Apr 8, 2023 18:55:15 GMT
Def irresponsible of Feltz and Hammond. Did they think they were being funny and nobody would take them seriously? Never underestimate the stupidity of the general public, someone once said. I think they both should apologise on the same show to the same people and say they didn’t intend their remarks to be taken seriously and they should invite a couple of the show’s cast to come on and explain.
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Post by lynette on Apr 5, 2023 21:43:35 GMT
Was waiting to see what The Swan was going to open with before booking for the RST, worth a visit and will now pair with Cymbeline to make a day of it. What about the Birthday weekend? See you there? |
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Post by lynette on Mar 30, 2023 20:13:04 GMT
So sorry, Roxie, for your loss and this terrible time. Stand firm though, as your dad doesn’t want you to be his carer all the time, I’m sure. Get some social services stuff in place now and for the future.
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Post by lynette on Mar 26, 2023 18:44:10 GMT
Nah, disagree. Clue in the title Guys AND Dolls
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Post by lynette on Mar 24, 2023 11:54:03 GMT
Interesting communication from Soho Place in advance of Medea: "Cloakroom and bag policy: with exceptional acoustics, you too are part of the performance. We have a large cloakroom that can be used by all patrons free of charge. To respect performers and fellow patrons, we request that bags bigger than an A4 piece of paper (21cm x 30cm) are checked into the cloakroom." And unrelated to bad behavior (unless someone deliberately disobeys, I suppose), I've never seen something like this: "Please Note: We kindly request that you do not bring nuts into the venue due to severe airborne allergies in our cast. Thank you for your cooperation." The Bridge also asking for no nuts. Cast member has allergy. Not a problem is it? |
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Post by lynette on Mar 20, 2023 17:19:32 GMT
At Wiltons music Hall 7 - 11 November Great venue. Cable street v near the Music Hall and the interior should provide very atmospheric effect. It will be like the actors are people coming off the streets of the very place T-A O is referencing. |
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Post by lynette on Mar 19, 2023 19:52:27 GMT
Just a comment about the seating. We were on the right of the band in gallery 2 and it was fine. But I did feel that the left hand side of band got more face on performances, especially the ‘cold’ song from Adelaide which was more or less back of head right through to where we were. The opposite side to band got a bit of attention but ‘luck be a lady’ was practically in my lap. But if you want a full on in yer face experience then go for left of band and as expensive as you can afford or stand in the ‘immersive’ area though again, if you are not tall, this might be a bit of a disappointment, the crowds being not as loose as was with the Dream.
Maybe others can add to or correct my thoughts.
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Post by lynette on Mar 19, 2023 0:56:36 GMT
Pretty well perfect production of this classic. The leads very classy, choreography great, staging great and all the minor characters tip top. They didn't mess about with it. Should do well…..( I’ve already rebooked..) If you are in a rush at the end, then don't wear a big coat or have a big bag cos the cloakroom collection is epic. Couldn’t disagree more. Funny how people come out thinking different things and bring different things to shows. What didn't you like? |
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Post by lynette on Mar 18, 2023 21:05:04 GMT
Sad to report this: matinee Guys and Dolls today - little kid, maybe 3 yrs old with mother behind us in Gallery 2. Didn’t stop talking. In the end someone went out ( not me actually ) and complained and they were asked to leave. Turns out they had another kid and adult sitting in front of them so I’m asking myself why didn’t one see the show and one look after the kids and then book again later in reverse. Too expensive? No, because in the end none of them saw the show at all. I sympathise with the parents, I really do, been there with the T shirts but I have never taken a kid into a show when he was too young for it and couldn’t keep quiet. I sympathise more with the kid who screamed the length of the foyer when taken out and whose parents have no idea. Harsh I know but there you are.
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Post by lynette on Mar 18, 2023 20:58:10 GMT
Pretty well perfect production of this classic. The leads very classy, choreography great, staging great and all the minor characters tip top. They didn't mess about with it. Should do well…..( I’ve already rebooked..)
If you are in a rush at the end, then don't wear a big coat or have a big bag cos the cloakroom collection is epic.
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Post by lynette on Mar 17, 2023 16:57:48 GMT
I think a year or so would probably satisfy the demand, I'm sure the two Nicks don't want to have just one show in their theatre for the next few years. You think? It can come back.. and back… |
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Post by lynette on Mar 17, 2023 16:51:28 GMT
Was at An Inspector Calls in Liverpool yesterday. School kids everywhere, including one in my seat, who to be fair to him did move without me having to ask. All manner of sweets and snacks on show, including one girl passing around a cake, which was a first. Not a little cake either, one of those supermarket birthday cakes in a box. It was the teachers I found annoying though. There was an announcement made from the stage that the show was late starting because of a problem with the comms, with the audience told to remain seated, but no the teachers were marching up and down the aisles. Checking on the inmates.. you ever taken a school group to the theatre? |
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Post by lynette on Mar 2, 2023 14:41:35 GMT
I haven't seen this production which actually sounds rather good but isn't the point of it that Shirley rebels and toddles off etc etc… contrast and compare with The Doll’s House. Well, life’s too short but you get my drift.
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Post by lynette on Feb 27, 2023 9:16:15 GMT
Apologies. I'll check with you next time I use the generic term "piece" to make sure I do so correctly. Geesh. It is an interesting piece, maybe needs a nuanced and tactful discussion, eh? |
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Post by lynette on Feb 20, 2023 17:33:47 GMT
I expect the books are selling well……
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Post by lynette on Feb 20, 2023 17:29:25 GMT
The Tempest, a triumph. An enjoyable, unpretentious production, coherent and well paced. No gimmicks but the ‘message’ a polluted world, was clear and conveyed with action, costume and set. Set amazing actually. The end reveal of the two young ‘uns playing chess very well earned. I have never seen the visions of the goddesses done do well, so clearly and so movingly. Most productions have no idea why they are there. The other themes, colonialism as we see it today and parent/child, very well done. The change of male to female in Prospero and Gonçalo perfect. Willie could have written it this way.
Pity not playing for longer.
If this is the quality of the whole season, then a magical return to form for the RSC and a treat for us all.
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Post by lynette on Feb 17, 2023 20:41:10 GMT
I take in water in case I get a cough. You're doing well - some places the security on the doors will take bottles of water off you. Bless, not the venues I frequent. But I will practise my indignant old woman act just in case.. |
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Post by lynette on Feb 15, 2023 16:40:44 GMT
Pinter's No Man's Land often gets a great quartet: 1993 at the Almeida - Pinter himself, Paul Eddington, Douglas Hodge, Gawn Grainger. Best cast for a new play: Tom Stoppard's Arcadia at the NT in 1993: Felicity Kendal, Bill Nighy, Sam West, Harriet Walter, Emma Fielding, Rufus Sewell, Derek Hutchinson. Actually David Hare' NT Racing Demon is pretty good too: Oliver Ford Davies, Richard Pasco, Barbara Leigh Hunt, Stella Gonet, Michael Bryant, David Bamber, Adam Kotz, Paul Moriarty. O that Arcadia 😁 Wonderful wasn’t it? |
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