Reader Reviews
Platonov (Almeida at King's Cross, Inner London)
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 | After the lamentable Three Sisters at Chichester, how marvellous to rediscover the Chekovian mood in Act One of this thrilling production. Then come the surprises: the train sequence that closes Part One outdoes even the west end's much-lauded helicopter and chandelier; the melodrama of a damsel in distress on a railway line is not what we expect of a Chekhovian play, nor indeed is the drunken comedy of the schoolroom scenes. I was overwhelmed, and I've no idea where the time went. This production demands to be seen by anyone with half an understanding of Chekhov's world - or indeed by anyone who fancies an absorbing night out. Absolutely fantastic. - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 25 Oct 01 |
| In a word, fantastic. Saw Platonov last night and thought it was the best performance I've seen for ages. The whole cast was very strong, script tight and very witty, direction, set and effects stunning. Don't go with any preconceptions and prepare to be dazzled. I'm going again... - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 11 Oct 01 |
| Has anyone also seen the latest at the Almeida (Kings Cross). Saw this last week have to say that some of the acting is pretty ropey. I thought Aidan Gillen as the lead was rather unbelievable as the irresistible (to no less than four women) school teacher. His perfornance seemed to get more laid back/lazy and colloquial as he went along - I know his character was supposed to be drunk in Act 2 but it was pretty inconsistent. Helen McCory was excellent - tremulous and sensitive. There is a lot of shouting from the cast, even though it doesn't seem to be needed - the acoustics certainly near the front were not bad. The set is superb - a field of sunflowers to one side, the main house in the middle and on the left stream running from the back wall to the front. This turns into a railway track with stunning end to Act 1. The play does have some laughs - yes, another Chekov "comedy" that actually is funny in places, but is quite a rough and ready play with many ideas and characters seemingly passing by - I think this is prettty representative of his early writing. For a 7 hour play condensed to 3.5 hours, it does have quite a bit of pace, yes - really! - USER: Whatsonstage.com | 24 Sep 01 |
