King Lear

Synopsis

King Lear divides his Kingdom between his daughters according to a declaration of their love for him. His eldest Goneril and Regan exaggerate their affection and inherit. His youngest daughter Cordelia speaks only the truth and is banished. So begins the tragedy of King Lear, whose dignity, sanity and finally life are torn from him by a self-seeking younger generation, ambitious for his power. What is love, what is madness, what is truth - Shakespeare explores these questions together with many others in King Lear, widely considered to be his greatest tragedy.

Our Review:

Glenn Meads - 23 March 2011

As you enter the Lowry to settle down to watch Michael Grandage's sweeping epic version of the Shakespeare classic King Lear starring Derek Jacobi, you can sense the excitement and anticipation in the air. The audience expectations are met from the opening scene onwards as this Donmar production oozes quality. If you have a ticket this week, you are in for a once in a lifetime treat.

The small, intimate Warehouse stage in Convent Garden may be replaced with the vast Lyric theatre stage in Salford, but what remains is a chilling, funny and dark tale, as we witness a family decaying before our very eyes. We begin with an amusing scene featuring Jacobi's King testing how much his daughters love him. From here on, this perfectly pitched  production provides a showcase for some very talented actors to shine.

Gina McKee as Goneril is quite mesmerising as she changes gear throughout, and along with the scheming Regan ([Ju...

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Latest User Review

Clare - 26 March 2011:

Absolutely brilliant. Jacobi is outstanding. He makes you sympathise with him despite his obvious faults....

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