My favourite play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream(REVIEW LINKED), in London’s newest and best theatre, The Bridge. Nicholas Hytner’s spectacular production is innovative in staging and action. I’ve seen so many versions, and this must be just about the best. Even if you don’t read the reviews, follow the link and look at the pictures, It features Oliver Chris and Gwendoline Christie, Brieene of Tarth in A Game of Thrones as Oberon and Titania, and controversially switches their lines.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged David Moorst, Gwendoline Christie, Hammed Animashaun, Iris Hainworth, Kit Young, Nicholas Hytner, Oliver Chris, Paul Adeyfa, Tessa Bonhom-Jones | Leave a Comment »
Review of The Merry Wives of Windsor (LINKED) in its 2019 version at Shakespeare’s Globe. A lively performance for a sunny afternoon, and an interesting take on Falstaff.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
FOLLOW LINK to review added of Bitter Wheat, world premiere of the David Mamet play featuring John Malkovich in a rare stage role. The play is about a predatory Hollywood producer named Barney Fein, clearly inspired by the Harvey Weinstein case. It got a rough ride from critics. We were more positive.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged David Mamet, Doon Makichan, John Malcovich | Leave a Comment »
The second review from this week’s Stratford-upon-Avon visit. The Royal Shakespeare Company presents Vanbrugh’s “The Provoked Wife” this time a raucous, bawdy Restoration comedy. This was way the better of the two plays this week.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alexandra Gilbraith, Caroline Quentin, John Hodgkinson, Jonathan Slinger, Natalie Dew, Philip Breen, Rufus Hound, Sarah Twomey, Steve Nicholson | Leave a Comment »
Review of the Royal Shakespeare Company production of “Venice Preserved” by Thomas Otway. (FOLLOW LINK) This is a rarity – a Restoration Tragedy, rated by Michael Billington as one of the 101 Greatest Plays. I assess it somewhat differently …
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Jodie McNee, John Hodgkinson, Les Dennis, Michael Grady-Hall, Natalie Dew, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Stephen Fewell, Steve Nicholson | Leave a Comment »
Review added of This is My Family, a musical play by Tim Firth at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre. Judging by recent Chichester productions, this one will go on to the West End, and every member of the cast was a joy to watch. James Nesbitt and Sheila Hancock are the best-known. I’m not so sure about the music though.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Clare Burt, Daniel Evans, James Nesbitt, Kirsty MacLaren, Rachel Lumberg, Scott Folan, Sheila Hancock, Tim Firth | Leave a Comment »
Theatre reviews are back! My favourite theatre, the Watermill with a favourite classic, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (linked). The best production of this well-known play (to me) that I’ve seen since 2010. Read the review.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Benedict Salter, Charlotte Beaumont., Claudia Jolly, Connie Walker, Jim Creighton, Kate Budgen, Morgan Philpott, Peter Bray, Wendy Nottingham | Leave a Comment »
Review added of Saving Grace (LINKED) which is Robert Plant’s new band. Yes, THE Robert Plant, at the Tivoli Wimborne Community Theatre. One of their early gigs. there isn’t even an album yet. Support Swing Fever. Read the full review on the link.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Matt Worley, Oli Jefferson, Robert Plant, Sticky Wicket, Suzi Dian, Tom Hill, Tony Kelsey | Leave a Comment »
The 60s retrospectives again. Three in three days. When the physio says I should spend at least two hours every afternoon with my operated leg elevated, it’s a chance to extend the series. This time it’s Blake Edwards THE PARTY (linked) starring Peter Sellers from 1968. It’s held to be another influential movie, bridging Jacques Tati before and Mr Bean afterwards. Trouble is, Peter Sellers in brown face make up playing an inept Indian actor.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Blake Edwards, Claudine Longet, Peter Sellers | Leave a Comment »
The 60s Film Retrospective series continues with Nicholas Roeg’s 1970 film Performance, (FOLLOW LINK) starring Mick Jagger, James Fox and Anita Pallenberg. It was filmed in 1968, but the studio was so shocked that its release was delayed two years. Launched to horrendous reviews, it became a cult classic and one of the most influential films from its era. The 60s series will be continuing rapidly with additions while I recuperate from a knee operation so can’t do theatre or current film!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Anita Pallenburg, Anthony Mrton, Donald Cammell, James Fox, John Bindon, Johnny Shannon, Michele Breton, Mick Jagger, Nicholas Roeg | Leave a Comment »
Peter Viney's Blog 