Thespian Pursuits
Last week I very much enjoyed Nick Hytner’s production of 
Tennessee Williams’ ‘The Rose Tattoo’ in the Olivier at the National Theatre. Zoe Wanamaker was outstanding in the lead role; very different to her perhaps more well known sitcom castings.
Tennessee Williams’ ‘The Rose Tattoo’ in the Olivier at the National Theatre. Zoe Wanamaker was outstanding in the lead role; very different to her perhaps more well known sitcom castings.Today Emily and I went on a backstage tour of the National 
before watching the matinee performance of ‘The Man of Mode’ - a contemporary re-working of Etherege’s 1600’s penned comedy. The tour was fascinating - the place is simply huge! Rather like “NASA does theatre...” Cavernous backstage areas to house up to 3 complete sets for rep performance rotation in each of the 3 theatres. The workshops - wood, metal and paint frame - like a production line. If only the workshop at Leatherhead had not been demolished for a health club...
before watching the matinee performance of ‘The Man of Mode’ - a contemporary re-working of Etherege’s 1600’s penned comedy. The tour was fascinating - the place is simply huge! Rather like “NASA does theatre...” Cavernous backstage areas to house up to 3 complete sets for rep performance rotation in each of the 3 theatres. The workshops - wood, metal and paint frame - like a production line. If only the workshop at Leatherhead had not been demolished for a health club...The play was superb - original dialogue, but completely contemporary in every other respect. Creative set, using 2 revolves, rather than the one built in to the stage and some neat choreography between scene changes etc. Lighting and sound were great. Stand out performances from Tom Hardy (Dorimant), Bertie Carvel (Medley) and Nancy Carroll (Mrs Loveit).
Well worth a look - £10 a seat during the Travelex season... Live theatre too expensive? :-)
Saturday, 14 April 2007
