Posted in Uncategorized on 18/12/2023| Leave a Comment »
We continue with the BBC Noël Coward collection DVDs with DESIGN FOR LIVING (follow link), a 1932 play which the BBC produced more explicitly than any stage version had dared in 1979. It starred Rula Lenska (direct from Rock Follies) and has a cameo from Dandy Nicholls. This is one of the ‘old film’ style reviews here, which means with enough illustration to tell the whole story.
Posted in Uncategorized on 15/12/2023| Leave a Comment »
My annual personal awards. BEST OF 2023 THEATRE (linked) We missed several rated plays, but we saw a lot. I picked out the first in each category, but the others could be shifted around. Mainly, it is a visual overview of British Theatre NOW. Each play has a link to the full review rather than comments. For actors and directors, refer back to the entry for the play. The overall production with the most mentions is GUYS AND DOLLS, at the Bridge Theatre. Still running too.
Posted in Uncategorized on 11/12/2023| 1 Comment »
It’s December and evenings of TV. We found the BBC Terence Rattigan collection pleasant viewing so are moving on to Noël Coward. starting with HAY FEVER from 1925 (follow link to review). This was an elaborate BBC Boxing Day comedy production in 1984, starring Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington (Ah! Margo & Jerry) with Patricia Hodge. HAY FEVER is such a theatrical play that it may be over-large for TV. Still, this is a highly illustrated review.
Posted in Uncategorized on 05/12/2023| Leave a Comment »
Review of Terence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA (linked) in BBC’s Performance series. This was a recast version of the highly-acclaimed Almeida Theatre production from 1993, retaining Penelope Wilton in the lead, but adding Ian Holm and Colin Firth. According to some, the best version of Rattigan’s best play. This is the sixth of the short BBC Rattigan Collection. It’s been enjoyable.
Posted in Uncategorized on 02/12/2023| Leave a Comment »
Review added of Terence Rattigan’s AFTER THE DANCE. Cast with Anton Rodgers, Gemma Jones, John Bird, Imogen Stubbs. This play was a flop in 1939 and this BBC 1992 production was the first major revival. Then in 2010 it was acclaimed as the ‘great lost play’ when The National Theatre did it.
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