Play for Friend whose English isn't perfect

[lynette]

Can anyone recommend a play I can take a couple of friends to. One speaks perfect English but the other one doesn't. They can read the play in advance maybe but they are both more inclined to the serious than say a farce or a musical. End of Feb. thanks 

[Deleted]

Oh that's a shame - farce is perfect if you don't speak the lingo!

[DebbieDoesDouglas(Hodge)]

A Shakespere? They r pretty universal, non?

[Deleted]

People, Places and Things is quite visual

[Mark]

Curious Incident?

[Steffi]

Woman in Black? I went with a friend whose English isn't perfect and she had no trouble following the story.

[foxa]

If they like more serious/experimental - how about the Complicite show at the Barbican? Lots of soundscapes (I think you are given headphones) and experimentation with technology.
www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=18001

[Deleted]

Does either of your friends wear a hat?

[alnoor]

My choice at end of Feb would be Red Velvet at the Garrick , The Encounter at the Barbican or The Mother at Tricycle

Enjoy

[lynette]

Thanks, food for thought. No hats, dogs or macaroons. Nudity optional. New members please ignore.

[RedRose]

The Homecoming - it's Pinter! You don't need English to not understand it! John Simm is fantastic and Gemma Chan very beautiful.

[couldileaveyou]

Jan 23, 2016 9:16:40 GMT DebbieDoesDouglas(Hodge) said:

A Shakespere? They r pretty universal, non?

Shakespeare is absolutely the worst if you don't speak English very well.

[lynette]

Yeah but funny thing- foreign people being well educated actually know Shakespeare.. They are all sold out for the date I want anyway.
Love the suggestion of Pinter: there would be time between lines to offer a translation and so become a candidate for 'Bad Behaviour ' thread

[Deleted]

You didn't say they were foreign or well educated. You didn't even reveal that they don't wear a hat until we asked. We can't make sensible suggestions when we know nothing of these mystery people.

[couldileaveyou]

I just meant - and I'm talking about my personal experience as a non native English speaker - that Shakespeare plays are not easy for people who are not fluent with the language. Not because of the plot (I mean, everybody knows the plot) but for the dialogues. The language is obviously beautiful, but I'm not sure that a poetic, 500 year old language is the best thing for people who struggle with English. People study Shakespeare all around the world, but most of the time they do it in translation. There is a difference between knowing a play originally written in a foreign language and being able to understand every single word.

[Deleted]

But then, I saw several of the Globe to Globe season, and even though I didn't have a clue what they were saying, I was able to follow along with the productions by simply already knowing the plays, and there were only a couple where I felt I was missing out on something (mostly the jokes) by not understanding the language. It's just a matter of personal taste, I guess.

[mickeyjotheatre]

Based on actual audience attendances, I'd suggest The Mousetrap, that's usually full of foreign tourists!

Has War Horse trotted off by then? I'm so out of touch.

[lynette]

Jan 24, 2016 18:20:24 GMT @honouredguest said:

You didn't say they were foreign or well educated. You didn't even reveal that they don't wear a hat until we asked. We can't make sensible suggestions when we know nothing of these mystery people.

They don't wear hats. And don't start on me HG, I have powers, I am 'global' now. Please set a good example to all our new friends joining the Board.

To be honest I think the Sam Wanamakers would have been fine or As you at the NT because they are well done and clear. But sadly either not on or booked out. So I reckon it will dinner at a nice restaurant.