Reader Reviews
In Extremis: The Story of Abelard and Heloise (Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I thought that In Extremis by Howard Brenton was an excellent play, with excellent actors and actresses to play the parts. I also thought that Jack Laskey as Bernard of Clairvaux played the part fantasically and also William Mannering as Lotholf was wonderful. I think that the actors made the play come alive and I would like to thank them all for the best play I have ever seen. - 195.93.21.67) | 05 Oct 06 |
| Enjoyed this alot more than much of the Shakespeare I've seen here!! Howard Brenton is such a good playwright that he makes the debate between fundamental religion and philosophy into gripping drama shot through with some delightfully quirky (and occasionally filthy humour): the legless burping bishops were a particularly lovely touch. The story of Abelard and Heloise is an interesting one in itself, and in the religious fanatic Bernard of Clarivaux there is a wonderfully ghoulish dramatic creation. John Dove's pacy production features superb acting from Jack Laskey's driven Bernard, Oliver Boot's charismatic but infuriating Abelard, Sheila Reid as an unconventional Abbess and Colin Hurley's camp Louis VI. Sally Bretton as Heloise struck me as a little too modern perhaps but was still heartfelt. All in all, this is a very satisfying, stimulating piece of theatre that makes you laugh and think in equal measure, while also packing a bit of an emotional wallop. One of the best new plays of the year, and an unexpected treat to find it at this address! - 195.82.123.181) | 08 Sep 06 |
| Fred Ridgeway gives a star performance in John Doves faultless production of Howard Brentons brilliant play about Abelard and Heloise. Wonderful cast lovely performances from Oliver Boot as Abelard and Sally Bretton as Heloise and Jack Laskey as Bernard but it is Fred Ridgeway as Fulbert who steals the show as betrayed uncle of Heloise. The innocence followed by the pain he portrays is so very moving indeed. 5 stars in every respect. Alan - 80.1.224.8) | 04 Sep 06 |
| This production was faultless. Howard Brenton's writing is lucid and absorbing. On paper all that dialectical argument may have looked a touch dry, but it is carried beautifully by the cast. Oliver Boot taps into both Abelard's integrity and his sexuality; it is an excellent performance. Sally Bretton is equally as strong as Heloise and there are great supporting performances from the likes of Jack Laskey as Bernard of Clairveaux and Fred Ridgeway as Fulbert. The play is directed with great verve and fluidity by John Dove and the music sensitively strenghtens our sense of the love of these two people. There is no doubt that The Globe has become a vital part of any theatre lover's life. I highly recommend this magnificant swipe at fundamentalism; it's a wonderful night at the theatre. - 80.194.231.228) | 02 Sep 06 |
