Thought I’d drop in one of these memes as I’m having a rare little break from the theatre, a whole week off! Normal reviewing service to be resumed from Monday.
List the last 10 things you saw at the theatre in order:
2. Richard III
6. Rock of Ages
9. Decade
10. Ragtime
Who was the best performer in number one (The Wild Bride)?
It really doesn’t seem fair to single out someone from the company but Audrey Brisson’s singing and physicality were just astounding. And Patrycja Kujwaska is also stunning, communicating so much without saying a word.
Why did you go to see number two (Richard III)?
Because it was the last show and some tickets popped up at the last minute: I was convinced by someone telling me the show was ‘the talk of the town’
Can you remember a line/lyric from number three (The Belle’s Stratagem) that you liked?
The one that sticks in my head is the hilarious way in which ‘and now it’s time for a breakdown’ was delivered…you need to see it.
What would you give number four (No Naughty Bits) out of ten?
4. It wasn’t a good play.
Was there someone hot in number five (Beasts/Las Brutas)?
There was not, as it was mainly about female weather-beaten Chilean mountain-dwellers, a sub-genre that does not really do it for me.
What was number six (Rock of Ages) about?
Fighting to keep a rock club open, trying to find love in a crazy world and the dangers of how easy it is to become a prostitute. To the tune of big-haired 80s rock.
Who was your favourite actor in number seven (The Madness of George III)?
David Haig naturally, as it really is a showcase for a lead actor.
What was your favourite bit in number eight (Perchance to Dream)?
The lovely duet of We’ll Gather Lilacs, the tune has barely left my head since I heard it.
Would you see number nine (Decade) again?
Only to see what edits have been made as I saw an early preview.
What was the worst thing about number ten (Ragtime)?
Nothing about the show itself, I would just have sat in a different place as my sightlines were blocked by tall people in the (very large) cast.
Which was best?
Ragtime and Perchance to Dream were both great musicals, and The Belle’s Stratagem was a real gem, especially considering how little it has been performed since it was written.
Which was worst?
No Naughty Bits was probably the least enjoyable play, I did not like Rock of Ages either but it was never going to be my cup of tea.
Did any make you cry?
Rosalind James made me cry each time she sang in Ragtime.
Did any make you laugh?
Perchance to Dream, The Madness of George III and No Naughty Bits both had their moments, as did the feigning of madness in The Belle’s Stratagem
Which roles would you like to play in any of them?
The Zoom lolly in No Naughty Bits? Or a random dancer and runner in Decade, that bit seemed fun.
Which one did you have best seats for?
I was moved by the lovely Charlotte Randle to a great spot for Decade.
