Reader Reviews
The Shaughraun (Noel Coward Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | A good fun evening in theatre - a real feel good evening - something that anyone from eight to eighty should enjoy and leave the theatre smiling. It is not Shakespeare it is rip-roaring yarn played to the hilt by an excellent cast. If you normally take children to see musicals this may be an excellent alternative for a holiday treat. - 212.85.1.201) | 13 Jun 05 |
| My Dublin contacts told to not to miss this show when it came to London. So myself and a friend attended a preview performance and we were not disappointed! I'm neither a fan of melodrama nor panto (I tend to go for serious drama rather than comedies) but this Shaughraun really was entertaining. I haven't had such a good laugh for ages - the man in front of me was wiping tears of laughter away throughout the whole show. The overheard comments from the other punters on exiting the theatre were all hugely positive. I was therefore very surprised to read the subsequent reviews from the salaried critics! I did not see the much-lauded 1988 National version they referred to but I do not think there is such a thing as a definitive production of any play. I also saw an excellent (Druid Theatre) production in the early 1980s and I see no point in comparing the two. The one or two quibbles I had about this Abbey production are not worth detailing as they didn't spoil the overall pleasure I got from the show. I think Boucicault would have been pleased to know that this lively, well choreographed production in the Albery is genuinely entertaining audiences (if not the opening night critics) more than a century after its debut. I have no hesitation in recommending this production (with Don Wycherley so charmingly protraying the scallywag Shaughraun) to friends and family. - 195.137.80.100) | 12 Jun 05 |
| This show has been criticised by those far more expert than me as being more a pantomime than a melodrama. All I can say is that this is a show that is almost beyond review, I saw the original Abbey Theatre production and the show has retained its freshness even with virtually the same cast.The show played to an audience of young and old all of whom seemed to enjoy it.Yes, it is over the top, yes it is full of stereotypes but it is a long time since I had such an evening of pure pleasure in the theatre and that must be worth something Richard Sandler - 81.76.29.197) | 09 Jun 05 |
| This is a good show, great set, with very good actors, with one major problem. I don't think melodrama can be played effectively tongue in cheek. It prevents the show from creating its own world and eventually turns everything into a one-note joke, which sadly becomes a bit boring. In effect, the actors are too knowing, constantly acknowledging to the audience that they are not taking it too seriously. Only Frank Grimes knows how it should be done. He manages to be wholly within the story, with a wonderful performance, while at the same time enjoying himself. But everything he does is within the style and the world of the show. The other actors, all extremely capable performers, should be encouraged to go for it, without the need for signals to the audience. Even the love story could be moving if it was played within the play, rather than as a comedy charade. It's a great shame because this production isn't far from getting it right - it just needs to believe in its own world of melodrama. - 213.123.205.8) | 08 Jun 05 |
| A jolly Irish 19th Century comic melodrama given a cracking 21st Century production. Everything about this revival is true to the spirit of the play, but takes advantage of modern staging possibilities. The set and use of music allow it to race along, there are some wonderful comic performances and the cast's infectious enthusiasm sweeps you away. It's only a romp, but it's a lot of fun and it's very welcome in the West End. - 81.134.200.235) | 08 Jun 05 |
| A good example of Victorian melodrama, but its still melodrama. Not everybody's cup of tea-not mine! The Vagabond shone through this partially dull production, providing the entertainment for the evening. Although a bit long, there were some very funny moments with excellent timings but not every joke suited every soul and some were just too obvious to be funny, while some grew old quickly. If you like soaps or pantomimes then this is for you, otherwise the melodrama style may set your teeth on edge. - 217.40.187.105) | 27 May 05 |
