I know it is unusual for you to see a film review here, but it is well worth going to see Behind the Candelabra.
Hopefully it isn't Steven Soderbergh's last film....he has said he is giving up directing to concentrate on painting....as it's great to look at.
And the characters...well, there is plenty to draw on and you could turn them both into terrible monsters - and to a certain degree that's how they appear - but both have some (however slight) redeeming qualities. Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon have roles that are totally at odds with their usual filmic incarnations!
Michael Douglas's Liberace is over the top, as he should be. And does sound like the man himself (what a confession, that surely gives my age away!). Oh and the costumes! The piano playing is very well done, you'd almost believe that it was Douglas himself.
Matt Damon as Scott, holds off being a vapid queen, although there are flashes here and there. He does look a bit like a young gay hustler of the period, without trying too hard!
Won't give away too much, go and see it for yourself!
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
The Book of Mormon
Well, after the hype and the wait, was it worth it? The Prince of Wales Theatre (<http://www.princeofwalestheatrelondon.info>) was certainly full to overflowing!
Yes it was. In some respects I wasn't nearly as shocked as I was supposed to be. Perhaps I am just too old and jaded! The cast (and audience) were having a whale of a time. Lots of taboos brought into a completely strange context (AIDS, female circumcision, religion to name but a few!) - a jolly piece of musical theatre. And that's what it is...musical theatre, it's not political, it's not full of deep meaning - it's a lot of fun. And it is very camp!
Yes it was. In some respects I wasn't nearly as shocked as I was supposed to be. Perhaps I am just too old and jaded! The cast (and audience) were having a whale of a time. Lots of taboos brought into a completely strange context (AIDS, female circumcision, religion to name but a few!) - a jolly piece of musical theatre. And that's what it is...musical theatre, it's not political, it's not full of deep meaning - it's a lot of fun. And it is very camp!
Othello - The National Theatre
It is a few years since I have graced a theatre for a Shakespeare play, but the glowing reviews for Othello at the National (http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/) persuaded me it was time I went again. Indeed several of my friends had posted glowing comments on their Facebook pages.
Othello isn't a play I know intimately, I have the gist of the story and the characters. I did not realise it was so long, nor so funny in parts.
Nicholas Hytner's version with lighting by Jon Clark and designs by Vicki Mortimer is a triumph. The contemporary setting works well, without any obvious clunky references to objects that couldn't possibly be lying around! After all, it is about a general!
The cast is great and all equally deserving of praise. Olivia Vinall's Desdemona's final scene was very moving. Adrian Lester, well known on television, gave a gripping performance as Othello. And Rory Kinnear's Iago was compelling. To see him playing one person off against another, inciting murder or revenge was fascinating.
Othello isn't a play I know intimately, I have the gist of the story and the characters. I did not realise it was so long, nor so funny in parts.
Nicholas Hytner's version with lighting by Jon Clark and designs by Vicki Mortimer is a triumph. The contemporary setting works well, without any obvious clunky references to objects that couldn't possibly be lying around! After all, it is about a general!
The cast is great and all equally deserving of praise. Olivia Vinall's Desdemona's final scene was very moving. Adrian Lester, well known on television, gave a gripping performance as Othello. And Rory Kinnear's Iago was compelling. To see him playing one person off against another, inciting murder or revenge was fascinating.
Friday, 24 May 2013
La Donna Del Lago at the Royal Opera House
Well, not being hugely knowledgeable about Rossini, I was keen to see the new production of La Donna del Lago at the Royal Opera House ( <http://www.roh.org.uk> ) - if only to see Joyce DiDonato (for the second time and in a very different role). <http://www.joycedidonato.com>
I had (foolishly?) read some reviews before going along last night (23.5.13) and so knew a little of what was in store. Should we believe reviews? Should we let them colour our views? Hmm, hard to decide.....anyway, all the reviews I read suggested that the staging caused problems with the enjoyment of the opera. And, sadly, I am inclined to agree with them. Too much "business", too much time spent running up and down the large staircase in Act 1 (thankfully it is destroyed for Act 2!). The staging is fussy and confusing. The lighting, however, in parts, was extremely effective.
Musically it was fabulous! Coming 'cold' to the piece turned it into a complete revelation! Some lovely arias. Some lovely duets. Some clever bits where three or four characters were singing. Of course we have to mention La DiDonato as Elena - sensational. What a voice! What a performance! And she was supported by a great cast too: Juan Diego Flórez as the King of Scotland ('Uberto') was brilliant. Daniela Barcellona as Malcom (Elena's lover) has a fantastic voice and the duet with Elena was spine tingling! Words of praise must also go to Colin Lee as Rodrigo, Simón Orfila as Duglas, Justina Gringyte as Albina and Robin Leggate as Serano (the latter two drifting in and out of the Scottish action to be rooted in the 19th century museum.
If you get a chance - go. Difficult as it's a sellout. If not, try one of the live relays to a cinema near you!
I had (foolishly?) read some reviews before going along last night (23.5.13) and so knew a little of what was in store. Should we believe reviews? Should we let them colour our views? Hmm, hard to decide.....anyway, all the reviews I read suggested that the staging caused problems with the enjoyment of the opera. And, sadly, I am inclined to agree with them. Too much "business", too much time spent running up and down the large staircase in Act 1 (thankfully it is destroyed for Act 2!). The staging is fussy and confusing. The lighting, however, in parts, was extremely effective.
Musically it was fabulous! Coming 'cold' to the piece turned it into a complete revelation! Some lovely arias. Some lovely duets. Some clever bits where three or four characters were singing. Of course we have to mention La DiDonato as Elena - sensational. What a voice! What a performance! And she was supported by a great cast too: Juan Diego Flórez as the King of Scotland ('Uberto') was brilliant. Daniela Barcellona as Malcom (Elena's lover) has a fantastic voice and the duet with Elena was spine tingling! Words of praise must also go to Colin Lee as Rodrigo, Simón Orfila as Duglas, Justina Gringyte as Albina and Robin Leggate as Serano (the latter two drifting in and out of the Scottish action to be rooted in the 19th century museum.
If you get a chance - go. Difficult as it's a sellout. If not, try one of the live relays to a cinema near you!
Friday, 17 May 2013
The Great Gatsby - Northern Ballet at Sadlers Wells
Well, it may have been the night the film of The Great Gatsby opened in Cannes, but last night at Sadlers Wells ( <http://www.sadlerswells.com> ) there was a flurry of police and paparazzi - sadly not Beyoncé and Jay-Z, but the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
By and large David Nixon's choreography sticks to the book (with some reference back to Gatsby and Daisy's earlier relationship) so it is all fairly easy to follow. The sets are simple and understated, the costumes stylish - the overall effect does give us a look at the world of 1920s decadence. Dance-wise it is good and stylish, rather than earth-shattering. There are some nice touches - interesting lifts and some good pas de deux. I think I saw one wobble in a high lift! The characterisation was good and fitted the book.
Northern Ballet's Gatsby ( <http://northernballet.com> ) may not have the noise and zap of the film, but judging by the audience's reaction last night it is a true crowd pleaser!
By and large David Nixon's choreography sticks to the book (with some reference back to Gatsby and Daisy's earlier relationship) so it is all fairly easy to follow. The sets are simple and understated, the costumes stylish - the overall effect does give us a look at the world of 1920s decadence. Dance-wise it is good and stylish, rather than earth-shattering. There are some nice touches - interesting lifts and some good pas de deux. I think I saw one wobble in a high lift! The characterisation was good and fitted the book.
Northern Ballet's Gatsby ( <http://northernballet.com> ) may not have the noise and zap of the film, but judging by the audience's reaction last night it is a true crowd pleaser!
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Some like it hip hop - ZooNation at the Peacock Theatre
It is years since I have been to the Peacock Theatre, the central London outpost of Sadlers Wells ( <http://www.sadlerswells.com> ) but I was there last night on the recommendation of a friend (who was with me) to see Some Like It Hip Hop by ZooNation ( <http://www.zoonation.co.uk> ).
I thoroughly enjoyed it! Who'd have thought you could do a whole show using hip hop moves? I wouldn't have.....but there is was, live music, story telling and wonderfully choreographed dancing! I shall be booking for their new show in September!
I thoroughly enjoyed it! Who'd have thought you could do a whole show using hip hop moves? I wouldn't have.....but there is was, live music, story telling and wonderfully choreographed dancing! I shall be booking for their new show in September!
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Wozzeck - English National Opera
It is apparently over 20 years since ENO (<http://eno.org>) put on a production of Wozzeck, I can't remember if I saw that production or one at the Royal Opera House - I do remember a very good ending with Wozzeck's drowning body!
So what can we say about the new production directed by Carrie Cracknell? Bloody is a good word....the ending is very Quentin Tarantino! Is this a good thing, not really as it leads to some sniggering from the audience when Wozzeck is asking where is the knife and it is clearly in his hand! Also, all the references to water and drowning are weakened by changing it to a puddle of blood.
That said it was sung and played with great passion. Sara Jakubiak's Marie was good, in a very harsh role. Leigh Melrose was an excellent, tortured Wozzeck.
So what can we say about the new production directed by Carrie Cracknell? Bloody is a good word....the ending is very Quentin Tarantino! Is this a good thing, not really as it leads to some sniggering from the audience when Wozzeck is asking where is the knife and it is clearly in his hand! Also, all the references to water and drowning are weakened by changing it to a puddle of blood.
That said it was sung and played with great passion. Sara Jakubiak's Marie was good, in a very harsh role. Leigh Melrose was an excellent, tortured Wozzeck.
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