Peter Gynt, a new adaptation of Ibsen’s apparently unstageable Peer Gynt by David Hare, is a great success as a piece of writing and so much fun.
‘Bonkers in a wonderful way’: PETER GYNT – National Theatre ★★★★
David Hare has made as much sense of Ibsen’s sprawling masterpiece Peer Gynt as seems possible.
‘Jaded view of a Britain that has lost its way’: PLENTY – Chichester ★★★
Ultimately, all eyes are on Rachael Stirling in Plenty and she stylishly carries this story of disillusionment to its inevitable, if uncertain, conclusion.
‘An impressive cast but lacks direction’: PLENTY – Chichester
We’re told Plenty is viewed as a modern classic. For the life of me I have no idea why and the sterling work of this excellent cast can do nothing to dissuade me.
‘Entirely unconvinced about Hare’s legacy’: THE BAY AT NICE – Menier Chocolate Factory
Penelope Wilton almost, almost, makes it worth seeing a David Hare play with The Bay at Nice at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
NEWS: Penelope Wilton & Ophelia Lovibond are cast in David Hare’s The Bay at Nice at the Menier Chocolate Factory
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced a major revival of David Hare’s The Bay at Nice. Richard Eyre directs Martin Hutson, Ophelia Lovibond, David Rintoul and Penelope Wilton. The production opens on 19 March 2019, with previews from 14 March, and runs until 4 May.
NEWS: National Theatre announces new season including cast of 40 for stage adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Small Island
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, Leah Harvey and Aisling Loftus lead the cast of Small Island, adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s prize-winning novel, directed by Rufus Norris in the Olivier Theatre, as part of the National Theatre’s new season.
Text of the Day: I’m Not Running
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Gives both politics & theatre a bad name’: I’M NOT RUNNING – National Theatre
I’m Not Running is, for my money, the sort of political theatre that gives both politics and theatre a bad name.
Mark Shenton views the week of news, openings & radical overhauls of Shakespeare in the West End, Broadway & beyond
Mark Shenton offers the week’s news, reviews, quotes and tweets in theatre from both sides of the Atlantic, including an interview with Sonia Friedman, reviews of Shakespeare in three different abbreviated versions, and a YouTube star appearing on Broadway.
‘Little here that rings with profound resonance’: I’M NOT RUNNING – National Theatre
I’m Not Running is David Hare’s 17th new play to be presented at the National Theatre but for a playwright known for espousing the state of the nation in his work, there’s a frustrating vagueness that leaves him feeling just a little out of touch.
‘Is the play crammed too full?’: I’M NOT RUNNING – National Theatre
David Hare’s latest play I’m Not Running at the National Theatre is set in an alternative reality that is more 2008 than 2018 and says nothing about Labour’s current malaise.
‘It’s Noel Coward’s Private Lives done grunge’: I’M NOT RUNNING – National Theatre ★★★
This time David Hare’s main theme in his new play I’m Not Running is the difference between campaigners who become treasured heroes on limited issues – especially the NHS, which pushes everyone’s button – and pragmatic machine-politicians in government or opposition.
NEWS: National Theatre’s new season features Andrea Levy’s Small Island, Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls & Lenny Henry as Richard Pryor
Rufus Norris has unveiled the National Theatre’s plans for 2019 and beyond. Highlights include the world premiere of Small Island adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s novel, directed by Rufus Norris.
NEWS: Director Peter Brook returns in National Theatre season which also features new plays from Nina Raine & Anthony Neilson
Details have been announced for the National Theatre’s season running from July 2018 to January 2019. Highlights include Peter Brook returning to direct at the NT for the first time in 50 years with The Prisoner, plus new plays from Nina Raine and Anthony Neilson.
‘Works on many different levels’: THE MODERATE SOPRANO – West End ★★★★
As much a chronicle of the origins of the Glyndebourne Festival as a metaphor for the pursuit of any artistic enterprise, David Hare’s The Moderate Soprano (which is directed by Jeremy Hennin) works on many different levels.
REVIEW ROUND UP: The Moderate Soprano at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Jeremy Herrin’s production transfers to the Duke of York’s Theatre, having played at the Hampstead Theatre (running until 30 June 2018). But what have critics been making of David Hare’s play?
‘Just sublimely human’: THE MODERATE SOPRANO – West End ★★★★
The frenzy of John Christie, founder-owner of Glyndebourne’s opera house – a tubby, determined man with a yearning for sublimity –receives, in this lovely play The Moderate Soprano, the respect that it should.
‘The most moving play I’ve seen for years’: GIRLS & BOYS – Royal Court Theatre ★★★★★
With its almost unbearable ending, Dennis Kelly’s play is a wonderful mix of hilarity and horror. Carey Mulligan is simply brilliant, totally at home on stage in Lyndsey Turner’s well-paced, absorbing and finally utterly compelling production.
NEWS: David Hare’s The Moderate Soprano transfers to West End with Roger Allam & Nancy Carroll
David Hare’s critically acclaimed play The Moderate Soprano will make its West End premiere next spring at the Duke of York’s Theatre, with Olivier Award winners Roger Allam and Nancy Carroll reprising their roles.