18 replies to this topic

[tsaurus]

With the mainstage at Stratford just about to close for a major rennovation, I thought there was scope for for a brief reminiscence about the highs and lows in this historic venue.  I know all the faults and criticisms that have been levelled at this space, but for me it still has a special buzz.  Over the years I have seen some truly great performances here ... and a few pretty awful ones.  My favourites include:

• The British Raj 'Much Ado' with Judi Dench and Donald Sinden
• Peggy Ashcroft in 'All's Well'
• Michael Gambon in 'King Lear'

and for the lows ...

• A dire 'Titus Andronicus/ Two Gentlemen' double bill with Patrick Stewart and Sheila Hancock
• Last year's completely misjudged 'Romeo and Juliet'
• Several awful Macbeths - this play has never worked for me on the mainstage

What are other people's favourite (or otherwise) memories of performances in this great theatre space?

[Lynette]

The Comedy of Errors with Judi Dench, Michael Williams back in 1977 I think, changed the way to do the comedies and Brooks' Dream which I saw [ I was sooo young, you understand] and loved.

You're right, Macbeth has never succeeded there in my memory. I wonder why?

There was a clever Taming of the Shrew in which they pulled down the scenery at the beginning as part of the show but it looked like an audience riot, loved that and the wonderful Dream with Ian McCabe as the book chucking Puck, the fairies chewing gum, wearing huge boots and wings they hitched on like bras.

[Lynette]

ps the lows. To be honest I can't think of anything worse than that Romeo and Juliet you mention with the sticks. It should never have got on the stage. I've never felt like leaving a show there until that one.

[MarieMJS]

I wish I could have seen Ian Mc Kellen's King Lear, I was actually quite motivated to do the trip (uh oh coming from France!!) to see the play but sadly, it's all sold out.
Oh well, my first trip to Stratford will wait another year I guess

[MarieMJS]

As a super newbie, from far away (LOL) and an humble theater lover, is it worth it to go there to see a play? I heard a lot of good stuff about it, but Im very interested in knowing what you guys think

[MarieMJS]

*wave*

thanks for the answer
Im going to London for sure for three days in June, to meet some friends, to see the very unloved Lady From Dubuque (ihihi), and maybe another play but dunno yet
But from Marseille its exactly the same price and time to go to Birmingham, then take a bus or something for Stratford, and I wouldnt mind spending some hours there, seeing a nice play, and going back to London the next day... Makes sense? In short, Im going to London for three days, and I don't mind adding an extra day to go to Stratford at first Especially now that I found out there are some seats available for the day I'm interested in O_O...
Otherwise, I wouldnt even have thought about it, its just a good timing, and its not so complicated to do it
So, worth it?

(My English is terrible today, sorry, LOL, Im a bit tired because of work @_@)

PS: your avatar is killing me, LOOL, WTF totally!!

[MarieMJS]

Oooh now I wanna go eheheh, I will try to call them to know about what seats are still available
... and began looking for a room @_@ any advice there? nice and cheap place in Stratford?

sorry for bothering everyone with this, I'm used to go to London, but Stratford is new