213 replies to this topic

[VDCNI]

Cat6, on 19 February 2013 - 05:08 PM, said:

I wouldn't think so -- why give Hilary Mantel oxygen?

Yes how dare she give a long scholarly speech on the monarchy for that notable scandal sheet, the London Review Of Books. The publicity seeking hound!!

[armadillo]

VDCNI, on 20 February 2013 - 05:47 AM, said:

Yes how dare she give a long scholarly speech on the monarchy for that notable scandal sheet, the London Review Of Books. The publicity seeking hound!!

It wasn't that scholarly - most of it seemed to be moaning that Kate didn't have as good dress sense as Marie Antoinette but that the monarchy were an endangered species that should be preserved  like the red squirrel.

[VDCNI]

Most of it? Kate is only mentioned in the first 4 paragraphs and there are 30 in the whole lecture. At no point does she compare their dress sense either.

[Backdrifter]

Yes, the Duchess - or "Kate" as she's known on this board - features in a quite sympathetic way fairly briefly, superficially it sounds like an attack on her but it's an attack on the media culture in which she exists. Most of the rest of it doesn't mention her at all. Both Cameron and Miliband criticised Mantel, sheep-like. I didn't realise they were making topical references in this play, it'll be interesting to see how that develops. Also interesting to hear about day seat times and that it's simply front row, for Ladykillers it was wherever they had unsold seats but I prefer front row. Is it 1 or 2 per person?

[drmaplewood]

Backdrifter, on 20 February 2013 - 09:13 AM, said:

Yes, the Duchess - or "Kate" as she's known on this board - features in a quite sympathetic way fairly briefly, superficially it sounds like an attack on her but it's an attack on the media culture in which she exists. Most of the rest of it doesn't mention her at all. Both Cameron and Miliband criticised Mantel, sheep-like. I didn't realise they were making topical references in this play, it'll be interesting to see how that develops. Also interesting to hear about day seat times and that it's simply front row, for Ladykillers it was wherever they had unsold seats but I prefer front row. Is it 1 or 2 per person?

2 per person.

[Pharaoh's number 2]

NT Live will be broadcasting this on 13th June, in case you can't get a ticket or get to London, or simply want to see it again.

[abs2512]

Pharaoh, on 22 February 2013 - 08:33 AM, said:

NT Live will be broadcasting this on 13th June, in case you can't get a ticket or get to London, or simply want to see it again.

Will that be booked seats at a theatre or online - do you know?
Actually, forget this request - I've got the answer - lol, must learn to investigater further before posting stupid questions

[Parsley]

I hated this

Tedious, odious, unchallenging and a smug piece of episodic "theatre" designed to please a white middle class audience

Helen Mirren looks like she is sleepwalking through this....I cannot deny that she gives an excellent performance but it is hardly stretching her repertoire....it's a shame that her pink hair a few weeks ago was about the most exciting thing about her lately

The rest of the cast are also sound and turn in solid performances, but to be honest I kept comparing it to This House where the actors are all better at doing a job of portraying politicians

I thought it came alive during the Thatcher and Cameron scenes, but the rest of it felt forced for me

I would categorise it with such plays as This House and Frost/Nixon and of course there are huge undertones of films like The Queen and The Iron Lady

It all felt like rehashing of lukewarm leftovers and the "political" content is scant at best

I thought it failed on all aspects of offering significant "insights" into the Queen and that too many of the conversations were fantastical to the point of stretching credibility

Evidently it is going to be a massive hit but I don't think it could have been a hard play to write and as a "new play" it is a weak and pallid offering that plays it so safe it pays the price of of being mind numbingly boring

.....and any play that has dogs in it....well......hah!

[Cat6]

Parsley, I wish you would have left the racism out of your review. I think you lost all your readers in your second line.

[Parsley]

Cat6, on 22 February 2013 - 11:08 PM, said:

Parsley, I wish you would have left the racism out of your review. I think you lost all your readers in your second line.

Are you taking the p***?!

When we have had a non-white prime minister then you may comment further!

And I wonder how many ethnic minorities relate to the monarchy?

Perhaps I imagined it, but the audience that is going to watch "The Audience" is quite self evident. Possibly an even more narrow segment of society than frequents the NT.

I had my good glasses on today so I could see quite well.