Sorry can't find the original thread or comment on this, was in another subject I think. But booking now open from Wiltons and from next week from The National Theatre who have an offer I think of first 20 tix going cheaper. There are two shows a night.

I can't decide whether this sounds horrible or inspirational. Has anyone been to Wiltons? It sounds very atmospheric.

Wiltons is amazing - very, very atmospheric. You can sense its history. It's tucked inthe middle of an area which is very historic , for example it is quite near the famous Cable Street but this area was also bombed to bits and rebuilt with social housing so has lost a bit of character. You go down an alley to the front door. There's a bar area which also serves food - you can reserve a table but there is usually room - and it's non reserved seating . You sit on chairs which are not very comfortable actually so take a cushion if you have back problems Inside the architecture is unusual with a gallery held up by barley sugar pillars and a platform type stage which they play around with and change but expect this will be plain for The Waste land. The acoustic is excellent. I have seen a lot of stuff there, notably the South African Miracle plays and the sound was terrific; the place is made for good sound. The walls are peeling and by all accounts the building is safe but in need of major work. Do go, you'll love it. And yes, they do hire out for weddings!

Wilton's is GORGEOUS. It's worth it just for the building, honestly!

Actually people who attend music/opera events there say the exact opposite - it is a known problem of the venue, I was just reading a review of something there that said exactly that. It is worth a visit, the trust who owns it do their best to keep it in a dilapidated and derelict state because they know this is what brings punters like us ("atmosphere" seekers) in.

Fiona Shaw is suffering from Katie Mitchell syndrome - she is a right old misery guts when it comes to the work she chooses. Actually she is an excellent light comedienne but we don't get much chance to see it - maybe in "London Assurance" we will.

Yes, they should keep the dilapidation effect as it were but actually the underlying structure needs some attention and I don't think grants etc are forthcoming. Hence it is not open all the time or more often but only for a certain time each year. I'm not an expert on acoustic but I've always found it excellent.

I've found it OK too, but I've only ever sat front stalls (I think the Circle is too unstable to use currently). The capacity used to be 1500 (400 now) - must have been quite something.

Why is the National selling tickets to this and to Endgame?

Anyone who wants to book their tickets online now can do so via Ticketweb:

http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb...p;month=01.2010

Thought about this but decided it was a long way to go for one poem. Will listen to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tqK5zQlCDQ
instead!
Hope you enjoy!

As a performer who has performed at Wilton's on many occassions it is a Performers dream - acoustically brilliant, the issue usually lies in the fact it is too easy, so performers don't even try to project and there is where the danger lies!

Sorry that you have so far to go - it is a bit of a shlep. But honestly, TS bless him didn't do his work any favours with his rendition. Nice to have it though.

Nah, this is the one you want, I think the very last thing he did.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Waste-land-Four-Qu...n/dp/0563523352

So what's the deal with the Shaw performance, it's her reading it out at the Wilton's? or is there a 'wasteland happening' as amusingly depicted in David Lodge's novel Small World?

I'm up for this. Hearing The Four Quartets recited at the Donmar this year was one of my highlights.

"decided it was a long way to go for one poem"

But it is a very long poem.

Well, it's not that far is it ? It's not like it is on at the Arcola.

Oh what has the poor Arcola done to be singled out so?

I imagine "be a long way from where Jan lives" is the answer. Cardinal sin.

No, not at all, it is just a terrible place to get to by public transport, even if you are unfortunate enough to live in East London you probably need to use two modes of public transport to get there.

My guess is that you have never been there Alexandra ?

You're wrong actually. But I'm afraid I drive there. Also to Wilton's. I saw the most exciting Macbeth I've ever seen or ever expect to see there, the Out of Joint one with Danny Sapani and Monica Dolan, both superb. Then I saw it again at Wilton's!

Having spent the last 8 years going to see plays at the Arcola using public transport I have to disagree. I live in Surbiton so can't make any guess at how those lucky enough to live in East London find accessing the theatre.

Oh dear

Macca I live in the same area as you, by the way. Er... that's it. Just thought I'd mention it.

The question was posed above re what this performance actually is. Is it, indeed, Shaw standing there reciting it, or is there other stuff?

Yes, as far as I remember (from 15 years back or whenever it was), it is; there were no extras. She does it very well, though. I saw it at the Wilton's before it had been refurbished, I think. Fabulous place, fabulous atmosphere.

And your car is still there afterwards ? Amazing.

Saw this tonight. Excellent and well worth the trek despite getting stuck on ice from where were parked at the beginning of the trek..
Fiona Shaw, her voice, the venue, the direction, the lighting all combined to show off the piece at its very best. Marvellous use of shadows. Interesting contrast of style to Dillane's Four Quartets - he stood still. But that fitted the contemplative piece and Fiona Shaw's gyrations and actions were utterly right for this piece about disintegration and break down.

Wiltons looking magical as usual.

Some snitty woman told us off for pushing in the packed foyer while waiting to be let in, quite unusual occurrence I thought for theatre going people. I guess she was not a regular.

It was quite unpleasant in the foyer when I went, especially as they didn't open the doors until 5 mins before the start.

It's a wonderfully atmospheric place, down a somewhat Ripperesque alley.

As for the production, I enjoyed it, but struggled a bit. I've only heard bits of the poem, certainly haven't studied it. I tried really hard to concentrate, but she could have been talking in French for much of it (she was for some of it). I found myself distractedly thinking she should have worn a white or black t shirt - that green one just showed too much sweaty armpit. I think I should have just let the language wash over me.

Glad I went though.

She's certainly not a vain actress...

Glad you enjoyed it Lynette (and sorry for starting another thread on this somewhere else)
I think everyone must have still been infused with festive spirit as we were all well behaved whilst waiting, or maybe it was the mulled wine!