A star danced, and under it was Simon Godwin’s joyful, 1930s Riviera production born. Quite apart from the fact that it is nice to have the earnest NT enjoying two outbreaks of frenetic jitterbug dancing at once – Jack Absolute upstairs at the Olivier, and here Much Ado About Nothing set in the Mediterranean hotel world of Noel Coward – where it feats with unexpected neatness.
‘The sheer visual beauty of the whole staging is a source of considerable pleasure’: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – National Theatre ★★★
Simon Godwin’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing for the National initially seems to be going for the full-on romantic escapism, from the bougainvillea and sun-kissed (Amalfi?) coast of the front curtain to the gorgeous Art Deco-meets-Italianate Palazzo mixture of colour and elegance of Anna Fleischle’s hotel setting
‘The real reason to see the play is for Walker’: THE CORN IS GREEN – National Theatre
However, Dominic Cooke’s production of Emlyn Williams’ play The Corn Is Green makes a good case for reviving it but the real reason to see the drama is for Nicola Walker.
‘Entertaining in its populist stress on feelgood comedy’: THE CORN IS GREEN – National Theatre
Even 20th century drama is under threat. So can the National Theatre buck this trend with this rediscovery of The Corn Is Green, and some help from its star, Nicola Walker?
‘The vibrant exploration of the beauty & challenges of language make it a play to catch’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre ★★★★
It is rare to find a show so good-natured and yet ominous and academic, all at the same time. Come for the raucous humour, stay for the dramatic, dirty colonialism and the lesson in the pros and cons of multilingualism. Translations is beautiful and daring, go see it.
‘A much-needed success for the National’: TRANSLATIONS – National Theatre
As Ireland moves into a new era, Brian Friel’s play remains at the heart of debate – how can a country maintain its essence while embracing the modern world?
THE END OF HOPE – Soho Theatre
What a relief to find a show that’s smart and funny – laugh out loud funny, by the way – yet relevant insightful, and with complex, nuanced characters. And only an hour long! So, take a bow The End of Hope. You are a slice of perfection; magnificent from start to finish.
DIMINISHED – Hampstead Downstairs
In Polly Sullivan’s starkly uncompromising arena, designed in the round and directed by Tom Attenborough, we first witness a psychiatric session between the high-functioning Mary and her clearly intrigued doctor. They banter almost flirtatiously, dancing around diagnoses and discussions, as we edge closer to the revelation that she’s being held in a secure facility after the death of her severely disabled young daughter.
Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre)
The first thing that has to be said is this is a hugely enjoyable evening out. It satisfies almost every theatrical craving: some good acting, an immaculate star performance in Dame Helen Mirren’s generous and affectionate impersonation of HMQ, lovely lighting and furniture, colourful costumes, plenty of jokes, and value for money with top tickets […]
The post Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre) appeared first on JohnnyFox.
Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre)
The first thing that has to be said is this is a hugely enjoyable evening out. It satisfies almost every theatrical craving: some good acting, an immaculate star performance in Dame Helen Mirren’s generous and affectionate impersonation of HMQ, lovely lighting and furniture, colourful costumes, plenty of jokes, and value for money with top tickets […]
The post Review: The Audience (Gielgud Theatre) appeared first on JohnnyFox.