41 replies to this topic

[Jan Brock]

The length is actually rather impressive. So I'm told.

This is a total non-issue with anyone except the neanderthal local Stratford audience - Ian Holm appeared similarly unattired in the NT version of the play some years ago and no such commotion ensued.

[David]

RSC Postpones McKellen Lear Due to Barber Injury
How will this work, given that it's virtually sold out? If they 'move' the press night, where will the extra seats come from, or does it mean an extra performance?

[Jan Brock]

RSC Postpones McKellen Lear Due to Barber Injury
How will this work, given that it's virtually sold out? If they 'move' the press night, where will the extra seats come from, or does it mean an extra performance?

Not sure, but I'm not giving my seat up for Billington. I assume they may cancel a preview of "Seagull" (one with William Gaunt) as that doesn't seem to be selling nearly so well.

[David]

Not sure, but I'm not giving my seat up for Billington.

My thoughts exactly

[MaxCady]

Seagull starts at 7:00 also and that isn't nearly as long.

King Lear is 200 minutes long including interval. So if you deduct the 20 mins interval then the play is bang on three hours long.
    I was hoping that the play would be longer

[Jenny_tyr]

King Lear is 200 minutes long including interval. So if you deduct the 20 mins interval then the play is bang on three hours long.
    I was hoping that the play would be longer

Well, it was 3 hours and 35 minutes when I saw it on Thursday, and unless there are further cuts I can't really see how it can possibly come in at 3.20, but I guess it's still a work in progress.

[Tulip]

I'm not giving my seat up for Billington

the only thing i would give up for that would be my own mental health assessment

[Jan Brock]

the only thing i would give up for that would be my own mental health assessment

Right. What happens to his seat I wonder, do they just sell it on the night (so some lucky student gets a choice seat), or are the critics actually in possession of the tickets so they can pass them on to their friends (if any) or sell them on eBay ? So many questions ....

[David]

Right. What happens to his seat I wonder, do they just sell it on the night (so some lucky student gets a choice seat), or are the critics actually in possession of the tickets so they can pass them on to their friends (if any) or sell them on eBay ? So many questions ....

I've been wondering about this. How many press are actually involved on a press night? There's the big national papers, some TV and radio shows (Newsnight, Today etc.); who else?

Because if there are a lot, and they were to give them as standbys, would they have enough people turning up? (We're talking in the past now, are we not?)

[Duncan]

The new press night has been scheduled for 31 May.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=2...=E8821176210949

Lear will continue for now with Melanie Jessop as Goneril. Presumably no one knows for sure when Frances Barber will be fit again, but she is expected to be on both feet again for press night at the end of May. What are the chances of her being back in the role by late April when I've booked to see it?