Monday 12 September 2011

Last 10 Things Seen in the Theatre Meme #3




It turns up like a bad penny, that theatre meme. Previous instalments here and here.



List the last 10 things you saw at the theatre in order:

1. The Madness of George III (Richmond Theatre)
2. The Conspirators (Orange Tree)
3. The Kitchen (National Theatre)
4. The Golden Dragon (Arcola)
5. Three Days in May (Richmond Theatre)
6. Korczak (Rose Theatre, Kingston)
7. Bernarda Alba (Union)
8. Anna Christie (Donmar)
9. Rattigan’s Nijinsky (Chichester Festival Theatre)
10. The Deep Blue Sea (Chichester Festival Theatre)


Who was the best performer in number one (The Madness of George III)?
A solid ensemble but it’s David Haig’s show, no doubt about it.


Why did you go to see number two (The Conspirators)?
Reviewing assignment.


Can you remember a line/lyric from number three (The Kitchen) that you liked?
Not specifically. But I thought the monologue by Samuel Roukin’s character, Paul, about his neighbour was the best piece of writing in the play.


What would you give number four (The Golden Dragon) out of ten?
A mighty 10.


Was there someone hot in number five (Three Days in May)?
I could quote something that a friend once said to me about Warren Clarke here. But that would be plain rude and uncalled for, quite frankly.


What was number six (Korczak) about?
A Polish hero whom Britishers should know a good deal more about.


Who was your favourite actor in number seven (Bernarda Alba)?
Again a strong ensemble, but I have to go with the powerhouse Ms. Beverley Klein. And I loved Amelia Adams-Pearce as Adela as well.


What was your favourite bit in number eight (Anna Christie)?
The big scene is Anna’s revelation of the truth of her past to her father and to Mat, and it’s powerfully done here. But the moment that’s haunted me the most in this wonderful production occurred in its last few minutes. Captivating throughout, Ruth Wilson comes through with a totally transcendent piece of acting in these final moments, blowing away any qualms that we might have about the fate that O’Neill devises for his heroine. “As for me being alone, that runs in the family, and I’ll get used to it,” Anna tells the two men in her life. “I’ll get a little house somewhere, and make a regular place for you two to come back to - wait and see.” Wilson’s delivery of these lines somehow transforms them into as heroic a declaration as I’ve heard any character make on a stage this year. What a great performance.


Would you see number nine (Rattigan’s Nijinsky) again?
Once was sufficient for this one.


What was the worst thing about number ten (The Deep Blue Sea)?
Nothing springs to mind. A lovely production all round.


Which was best?
In order of preference: Anna Christie, The Golden Dragon, Korczak, The Deep Blue Sea, Bernarda Alba.


Which was worst?
I was disappointed in The Kitchen, overall, and didn’t really enjoy Rattigan’s Nijinsky very much.


Did any make you cry?
KorczakAnna Christie, The Deep Blue Sea, and  The Golden Dragon.


Did any make you laugh?
The Madness of George III, The Conspirators, The Golden Dragon.


Which roles would you like to play in any of them?
Mysterious Mr. Miller in The Deep Blue Sea will do.


Which one did you have the best seats for?
Front row for The Golden Dragon and Bernarda Alba.


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