01/08/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, in a new version by David Hare. It is directed by Rupert Everett, who also plays the lead, and co-stars Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd etc). It’s an elaborate production for Bath’s Summer Season, and only seems to be there for two weeks. Surely they must be intending to move on to the West End or tour?
Katherine Parkinson as Sonya Rupert Everett as Uncle Vanya
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Ann Mitchell, Clemence Poesy, David Hare, John Light, John Standing, Katherine Parkinson, Marty Cruikshank, Michael Byrne, Rupert Everett | Leave a Comment »
28/07/2019 by Peter Viney
We saw A Midsummer Night’s Dream (FOLLOW LINK) at the Bridge Theatre for the second time and it was even better. I added extra comments to the original review (5 stars).
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26/07/2019 by Peter Viney
Review added of k.d. lang’s INGENUE REDUX: THE 25th ANNIVERSARY TOUR at Poole Lighthouse. It’s the second time we’ve seen her, and her voice is as sublime as it was 25 years ago. Follow link to review.
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25/07/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of “Yesterday” (FOLLOW LINK) in Films. Danny Boyle’s new film, co-written by Richard Curtis, and starring Hiresh Patel, Lily James and Ed Sheeran. A world electrical storm causes everyone in the world to lose all memory of The Beatles, except aspiring songwriter Jack Malik, who was unconscious after crashing his bike into a bus. He wakes and is apparently the only person in the world who knows Beatles songs, which he appropriates … a lot of fun. Read the review.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alexander Arnold, Danny Boyle, Ed Sheeran, Hiresh Patel, James Corden, Joel Fry, Kate McKinnon, Lily James, Meera Syal, Richard Curtis, Sanjeev Bhaskar | Leave a Comment »
22/07/2019 by Peter Viney
An article added to my blog on “The End of Term …” (LINKED) in schools then and now. It’s under ELT articles, but is possibly also “a rant.” It is of general interest rather than just ELT.
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14/07/2019 by Peter Viney
David Hare has re-imagined Ibsen’s Peer Gynt at the National Theatre, as PETER GYNT (follow link). This is a long, hugely theatrical production of the fantasy story with James McArdle in the lead role. It’s all in a contemporary setting with modern references. Incredible stagecraft (take a look at my review) but it veers from spectacular to boring. Unusually for the National Theatre, there were plenty of empty seats. You would get in. It’s worth it.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged David Hare, James McArdle, Jonathan Kent, Oliver Ford Davies, Paul Englishby | Leave a Comment »
14/07/2019 by Peter Viney
Review added of PRESENT LAUGHTER by Noel Coward at The Old Vic (FOLLOW LINK). This version stars Andrew Scott and has been noted for ‘gender fluidity.’ Few plays ever get so many five star reviews as this production. I’ve given it a mildly mean four. Go to the review and find out.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Abdul Salis, Andrew Scott, Enzo Cilenti, Indira Varma, Joshua Hill, Kitty Archer, Liza Sadovy, Luke Thallon, Matthew Warchus, Sophie Thomson, Suzie Toase | Leave a Comment »
06/07/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of the third of ther RSC’s major 2019 Shakespeare productions, MEASURE FOR MEASURE (linked) directed by Greg Doran. A major version … but read my review. Picture: Sandy Grierson as Angelo.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Amanda Harris, Antony Byrne, Claire Price, David Ajao, Graeme Brooks, Greg Doran, Jamres Cooney, Joseph Arkley, Lucy Phelps, Michael Patrick, Sandy Grierson, Tom Dawze | Leave a Comment »
05/07/2019 by Peter Viney
Review of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” at the Theatre Royal Bath. This is a major production, starring Jennifer Saunders as Madame Arcati, the medium who conjures up the spirit of Charles Condamine’s first wife, much to the annoyance of his second wife. Great classic comedy. Definitely worth the trip to Bath.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Emma Naomi, Geoffrey Streatfield, Jennifer Saunders, Lisa Dillon, Lucy Robinson, Noel Coward, Richard Eyre, Rose Wardlaw, Simon Coates | Leave a Comment »
04/07/2019 by Peter Viney
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School “West Country Tour” is an annual highlight in smaller venues. This year they did a modern version of THE CANTERBURY TALES (linked). Great performances, but I thought the actual play text very poor. Not the fault of the young actors.
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