The National Theatre has announces 15 productions of new plays and fresh adaptations by leading writers. Olivier Theatre My Brilliant Friend 12 November 2019 to 18 January 2020 (Press day is 26 November). Plays in rep, with further performances to be announced Following a sell-out run at Rose Theatre Kingston, the two-part adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend by April De Angelis is reworked …
‘More of a novel than a play’: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY – Touring ★★★
So what we have here in Remains of the Day is a masterclass in acting, deft in direction and a rightful meditation on an England that so nearly went into the dark. But still, for all that, more of a novel than a play.
‘Beautifully acted & stylishly staged’: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY – Touring
Neither Kazuro Ishiguro’s prize-winning novel, or the acclaimed film adaptation, of The Remains of the Day prepares you for the profound tragedy felt after seeing this heart-rending story played out on stage.
‘A great production of a chilling play’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre
This is a Macbeth that emphasises the psychological horror of the story. It is a brutal and murderous play, but priority is given to the effects of the violence rather than the violence itself.
‘Falls a little flat in pivotal places’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre ★★★
This Macbeth should be an absolute blinder with such a strong and perfectly brooding lead… but unfortunately, the production falls a little flat in pivotal places.
‘A beautiful re-telling’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre ★★★★
Overall it is a beautiful re-telling of Macbeth, keeping true to the script but taking a twist on a unique element. Macbeth at the Barbican is not to be missed.
‘Lacks clarity & intent’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre
Despite a cast including Christopher Eccleston and Niamh Cusack, this proves another disappointment of a Macbeth as the RSC starts is autumn residency at the Barbican.
‘I was more interested in the background characters’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre ★★★
Is it ironic that the most emotionally powerful scene of the RSC’s Macbeth at the Barbican comes in a rare moment of silence and stillness, a scene when the Macbeths are nowhere to be seen?
‘Scattershot invention includes some effective touches’: MACBETH – Barbican Theatre
In contrast to Rufus Norris’ Macbeth at the National, with Rory Kinnear and Anne-Marie Duff, the RSC’s current production is focused and direct. This ensures that it is more of a success, but also proves its weakness. Polly Findlay’s production is certainly the more coherent and features strong leads.
‘Visually enticing’: MACBETH – Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon ★★★
Polly Findlay pulls out all the stops for her visually enticing production of Macbeth for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
‘All in all a bloody, good, Macbeth’: MACBETH – Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon ★★★★
An imaginatively staged take on The Scottish Play which, in its leading roles, is stunningly performed. All in all a bloody, good, Macbeth.
NEWS: RSC reveals details of winter residency at the Barbican with three productions transferring
Later this year, the three Shakespeare productions from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s current Stratford-upon-Avon season this spring will transfer into the Barbican Theatre from October.
News & interesting titbits: Janie Dee cabarets & London Horror Festival programme
Given how she’s doing such amazing work in Follies at the minute, it’s kinda gobsmacking to discover that Janie Dee has not one but two cabaret shows lined up for the beginning of October. Returning to Live at Zédel, fans have the pick of Janie Dee at the BBC – album launch or Janie Dee – Off the Record… or you can do both on the same night for a couple of dates if you’re that way inclined!
Queer Theatre at the National: The Drag
Mae West wrote The Drag in 1927 where its frankness about gay lives (and once again, drag ball culture!) scandalised its out-of-town Connecticut and New Jersey audiences so that it never made it to Broadway.
NEWS: Jude Law is patron of Lewisham free ticket scheme, and other news
A Theatre Trip for Every Child, Lewisham is a new giving scheme to provide a free theatre ticket for every 5-year-old in the Borough of Lewisham. ‘Every Child’ enables businesses and individuals to give a local child the chance to experience the magic of theatre.
My Brilliant Friend, Amaluna & other news, treats & interesting titbits
Its Amaluna arrives at Royal Albert Hall this month, but opening next month is Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever UK arena tour of its signature production, Varekai.
NEWS: Niamh Cusack & Catherine McCormack star in My Brilliant Friend stage premiere, Full cast
Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack lead the cast as Lenu and Lila in Rose Theatre Kingston’s world premiere of My Brilliant Friend, a two-part adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet of novels which have become a global literary sensation.
Quote Unquote: 11 Unfaithful lines for would-be cheaters
Are you in a happy relationship? An unhappy one? Or just a normal one with standard-fare ups and downs? Ever thought about cheating on your partner? Owen McCafferty’s play Unfaithful, now in its London premiere run at Found111 in Charing Cross Road, could either be viewed as either a cautionary tale or a call to action.
UNFAITHFUL – Found111
Strong performances from Sean Campion and Niamh Cusack make up for the unbalance between the focus on two very different couples… Owen McCafferty’s latest play shows the turning points in two very different couples relationships and how one event can change your outlook in life.
UNFAITHFUL – Found111
Niamh Cusack as Joan is fantastic. Veering from vitriolic to sardonic, she is a pleasure to watch, especially in her interactions with Tom (Sean Campion), which have a weariness and familiarity borne of long exposure to one another.
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