[foxa]

While many first previews give you a pretty clear idea of the show, last night's 'Mother Courage' was still such a work in progress that I can't even give you a rough idea of its length or overall impact.

There were clearly problems as there was a delay in opening the auditorium. Then there was a long pre-show activity period of people on stage setting things up, which was( I think )meant to happen. But then Deborah Warner approached a microphone and said that they hadn't managed to finish their technical rehearsal, so hadn't teched the last couple of scenes and it would be dangerous to perform those scenes without a proper rehearsal. So she said we could go and get tickets for another night, or stay and watch about 2/3's of the show and also get shows for another night. At first it seemed like a lot of people were going to leave, but in the end, I think most remained, though some drfited out as the evening went on.

It's absolutely unfair to judge the show by what we saw but a few observations.
Having Duke Special and his band do the music was an inspired idea.
Some very well-established actors are doing some small parts (unless he has a lot more to do at the end of the play, Colin Stinton - who has played loads of leads had only one scene as a general. Similarly v. small part for Roger Sloman.)
It is an incredibly messy stage - chicken feathers litter it for ages.
If they don't get going with it, it's going to be very long - we saw (I think) the first 6 (or maybe it was the first 7) scenes and didn't get out until about 10 p.m. (7.30 start.) It has 12 scenes.
The audience applauded warmly at the end.

[AnnieInTheStalls]

I'm seeing this tonight. I'll keep my expectations suitably low...

[Jan Brock]

But then Deborah Warner approached a microphone ...

How Brechtian ! Did they turn the house lights on too ?

[The Suburbanite]

Yes house lights stayed up.

I was really hacked off. She got applauded after her announcement - I suppose it was just politeness but I didn't feel like applauding an invitation to watch an unfinished, partially rehearsed piece. I left along with others but as foxa says the majority stayed. I opted not to reschedule as I don't have high hopes for a production that has limped to its first public outing in a not-fully-cooked state.

After getting ticket & programme refund I jokingly asked who I should ask about geting my rail ticket refunded too, given I only used it specifically to see that production. He thought for a moment then said "Nicholas Hytner." I enjoyed the thought of the Artistic Director, sitting there processing rail, bus, tube and taxi fare refunds.

[Lynette]

Sounds grim; I'm seeing this on 24th so they had better get their act together [ ha ha appropriate metaphor for once] I enjoy watching technical things sometimes but not the same as paying for a proper show plus train ticket as you say. What a shambles - what is going on I wonder - swine flu? And Lolita has been slated for under rehearsal...there is a story here, someone might let us know.

[The Suburbanite]

Exactly the right word Lynette - shambles, that's how it came across to me. My hopes sank when just before curtain-up time the entrance was still barriered off, not usually a good sign. My heart sinks lower re your Lolita comment - I'm seeing it Monday

[Lynette]

Exactly the right word Lynette - shambles, that's how it came across to me. My hopes sank when just before curtain-up time the entrance was still barriered off, not usually a good sign. My heart sinks lower re your Lolita comment - I'm seeing it Monday

I didn't book for Lolita but thought I might be missing a treat until read Charles Spencer in the Telegraph...not the only opinion of course but he is usually fair. Let us know, when you've seen it.

[Alexandra]

But other critics have loved Lolita. And Mother Courage sounds intriguing. I'm surprised you left - I'd have stayed and treated it as free access to a rehearsal, then taken a view on whether I wanted a ticket for another night. Should have been ready of course but these things happen occasionally - much better to let it go on than cancel like most shows do.

[The Suburbanite]

I'm surprised you left - I'd have stayed and treated it as free access to a rehearsal, then taken a view on whether I wanted a ticket for another night.

Maybe, maybe. And it doesn't happen often. But free or not, I don't usually feel like watching rehearsals. I don't feel I'm missing out, I'd like to see the play but am happy to wait for another production some time.

Encouraging that there are positive notices for Lolita.

[armadillo]

The first previews of the Rickman/Mirren Anthony and Cleopatra and the Stephen Rea Cyrano were similarly shambolic and look how much they improved