Ulster American w/ Serkis & Harrelson - Riverside Studios

[greatauntedna]

Saw it tonight, don’t think it’s that good, but it’s good.

[jr]

Could we have a poll, please?

[jr]

I saw this last evening. It started a bit late and was longer than the 90 minutes stated. I haven´t seen any of Ireland´s plays before and I was not impressed with this one.

I don´t think it is a good play. If it wasn´t for the actors, the three of them really good, I don´t think I would have stayed until the end. Reading comments here I was expecting some wild, dark comedy and I didn´t find that. I laughed a few times but found the play going in circles and not advancing much.

I don´t want to say much so I don´t ruin for other people but with the friend I attended we could come up with a better ending and other alternatives that would make it far more interesting. To make it a better play they should cut some stuff and make bolder choices.

[zahidf]

I enjoyed this a lot last night. Cast were having a blast and a good view from the back seats

[orchidman]

It feels like they should be paying David Mamet royalties for this, it's pure Mamet straight through.

You wonder about the development of the project because it's a play which would only work with bona fide star power in the lead but it's not strong enough material to be confident it will attract that kind of star.

Not sure if it would be preferable to see Woody Harrelson in a proper play or in this one where he really gets to chew the scenery. It's a surprisingly thankless role for Andy Serkis, it's somewhat surprising he would take this on.

You will enjoy yourself if you go in expecting nothing more than a star vehicle, and Harrelson has tangible star power. I would say he's great value but I've seen the prices they are trying to charge.

[jr]

No poll?

[zahidf]

Dec 22, 2023 14:52:53 GMT orchidman said:

It feels like they should be paying David Mamet royalties for this, it's pure Mamet straight through.

You wonder about the development of the project because it's a play which would only work with bona fide star power in the lead but it's not strong enough material to be confident it will attract that kind of star.

Not sure if it would be preferable to see Woody Harrelson in a proper play or in this one where he really gets to chew the scenery. It's a surprisingly thankless role for Andy Serkis, it's somewhat surprising he would take this on.

You will enjoy yourself if you go in expecting nothing more than a star vehicle, and Harrelson has tangible star power. I would say he's great value but I've seen the prices they are trying to charge.

It was a hit at the Fringe 8 years ago without any name actors. It was a little more vicious then, but woody harrelson's role is enhanced by having an actual star in it for sure

[David J]

This was okay

Like Jr I found this play just went around in circles and you could have cut 20-30 minutes worth from it. I felt it came to its natural conclusion before woody harreslson showed his award. After that it limped along until David Ireland realised he hadn’t come up with a satisfactory ending and went all out instead

Louisa Harland and Woody Harrelson were the highlights. Her playing straight and him playing a character naturally, and the two of them worked off each other

Andy Serkis, I’m sorry to say, is not a great actor when he isn’t cgi’ed up. He pretty much “acting” through this production, telegraphing his reactions and not really working off the other two

So whilst I laughed at times i kept checking the time by the end

3.25 stars

[parsley1]

Pity anyone who paid more than £30 to sit on the crappiest flip down seats with no arm rests and no incline

What a joke of a venue and venture

How funny they reduce all leftover seats to £30 on the day

I hope no one paid £130 for this 😮

[mkb]

Despite intensely disliking this poor excuse of a venue, despite the extortionate pricing, and despite attending the 12 December evening show feeling like death warmed up, I did actually enjoy myself. But for the £91.50 paid, this really should have been in a proper West End theatre with a comfortable seat.

The cast of three acquit themselves well, and Harrelson in particular makes the most of comic opportunities. The increasingly farcical script takes a few surprising turns, not least in puncturing preconceptions about the Northern Irish. In amongst the madness, there is a serious point being made about how we English are no more savvy than the dumb American we mock.

Solid entertainment: four stars.

One act: 19:50-21:38
23 minutes longer than advertised!

[nottobe]

Since this was announced I had been very excited to see this and it did not disappoint at all.

I would have to say this is one of the best casts I've seen all year as they all are so perfectly cast and give such great performances. Woody Harrelson was a delight to watch as eccentric and overbearing Hollywood actor. I personally loved his clowning and physical comedy, especially the various eating and drinking gags. I know it was written a few years ago but he just seems like such a perfect fit for the role that I can't imagine anyone else doing it.

Andy Serkis was also very believable as the director and I particularly thought his drunk acting was very funny, his cheeks seemed to go red in his drunken state. I have always thought he has been somewhat overlooked as an actor when he is not in CGI.

Louisa Harland is on the same level as these two Hollywood actors here really playing a believable writer who is blunt and sure of herself but also naked the more serious moments. All three had such a great chemistry and knew perfectly how to pitch their parts.

David Ireland's play itself is definitely not for the easily offended, even people who aren't easily offended might be in shock. There are so many laugh out loud moments and many others where I felt people laughing around me while I sat taking the shocking jokes in. I was truly invested in the world that was created even though for some the heightened situations and characters might not gel. I would say this is a great companion piece to Cyprus Avenue with many similar themes and a lot to think on. It is easily one of my highlights of the year!

[bee]

I'd pretty much agree with the last couple of reviews. I enjoyed this a lot. It starts pretty slowly but as soon as Louisa Harland appears it hits its stride. To some extent the other two actors, while both excellent, are playing easily recognisable stereotypes, but Harland's character provides a less often heard point of view as well as getting most of the funny one liners. Four stars from me.

I think some folks are being a bit hard on the venue, it was OK, other than the horribly uncomfortable seats.

[alessia]

I also enjoyed this a lot - I don't understand the criticism of this theatre, I felt the opposite and really liked it. the seat was no more uncomfortable than many West End venues, and I dare say, better because there is a decent rake and space between seats (unlike other theatres where I've felt squished on both sides and being short, I often to peer through people's heads to see the stage). The play itself was funny, the acting really convincing from all three of them. I was wondering what a Northern Irish person would think of some parts of this, as some of the jokes are quite shocking but I know it was on purpose. Overall I liked this and already recommended to people.

[bigredapple]

Went to enter the lottery today on TodayTix and it said it’s closed until next Tues. But it’s a daily lottery?

[aspieandy]

This was a riot this afternoon: came for David Ireland, stayed for the show.

Lovely ebb and flow between Serkis and Harrelson before Ruth arrives (Louisa Harland: familiar to some as Agnes in the NT’s recent Dancing at Lughnasa, or Derry Girls). Then the pace picks up seamlessly.

Very fun range of physical comedy, lashings of parody and satire to skewer all concerned (all three playing members of social tribes they won’t be unfamiliar with)

This is peak David Ireland, imo; broader, more layered, as hard as ever, using his brand of absurdism more surgically. Cast doing him full justice.

Amusement and laughter sprinkled throughout – some great one-liners - followed by fully deserved SO.

Wondered why this wasn’t at the Royal Court or similar. Maybe it will be ..

[Dave B]

Jan 3, 2024 18:40:54 GMT aspieandy said:

Wondered why this wasn’t at the Royal Court or similar. Maybe it will be ..

I'm pretty sure the answer is that it came together really fast as a result of the writer's strike and this was the only available venue but it would have been lovely in RC alright.

[keyspi]

Jan 3, 2024 18:45:19 GMT Dave B said:

Jan 3, 2024 18:40:54 GMT aspieandy said:

Wondered why this wasn’t at the Royal Court or similar. Maybe it will be ..

I'm pretty sure the answer is that it came together really fast as a result of the writer's strike and this was the only available venue but it would have been lovely in RC alright.

You are 100% correct. I saw this on the 30th December and at the end of it Woody Harrelson said his schedule only cleared because of the writer's strike and all the major venues in London were already taken at the time

It was my first time visiting Riverside studios and apart from the chairs, I didn't think it was a bad venue at all. Hopefully Harland, Harrelson and Serkis don't regret signing up for this. I definitely didn't regret attending

[aspieandy]

To be honest, it's no surprise this was the only available venue. The seating is temporary. Normally it's a flat floor with something like banquet chairs evenly spaced - at least it has been that way on my two visits prior to this.

I presume part of the ticket price covers rental of the seating.

It does beg the question of what David Ireland was planning to do before this worked out ..

[clive]

Jan 4, 2024 11:26:10 GMT aspieandy said:

The seating is temporary. Normally it's a flat floor with something like banquet chairs evenly spaced - at least it has been that way on my two visits prior to this.

I presume part of the ticket price covers rental of the seating.

The layout varies. For Tarantino Live recently it was a combination of individual seats at round tables, cabaret style at the front with rows of seats behind and at the sides. At other times it has been just the traditional rows of seating.

[keyspi]

Jan 4, 2024 12:59:15 GMT clive said:

Jan 4, 2024 11:26:10 GMT aspieandy said:

The seating is temporary. Normally it's a flat floor with something like banquet chairs evenly spaced - at least it has been that way on my two visits prior to this.

I presume part of the ticket price covers rental of the seating.

The layout varies. For Tarantino Live recently it was a combination of individual seats at round tables, cabaret style at the front with rows of seats behind and at the sides. At other times it has been just the traditional rows of seating.

Slightly off-topic but any idea what's the layout rake-wise of the remaining studios there? Is studio 1 larger? Is there a studio 3 🤔

[clive]

Yes, there is a Studio 3. I think it best to look at the seating on a show by show basis. Last time I was in Studio 2 it was a fixed structure of rows of seating all joined together with much more of a rake than in an average theatre setting. But that seating was obviously for assembly and then removal. I wouldn't like to rely on things being the same next time.

[Marwood]

I saw this on Wednesday and really enjoyed it: it could have done with fifteen minutes or so being removed and I thought proceedings sagged in the middle but all three actors seemed to be at the top of their game and having a ball.

Having seen Cyprus Avenue previously, I had an inkling how things might turn out and while it doesn’t have any bin bag moments like that did, it still cranked up the ultraviolence (I was perturbed by the idiot sitting behind me chuckling like he was watching Tom & Jerry when it began, as if a blood covered woman was some kind of punchline in itself ) but whatever David Ireland does next, I think maybe any such violence should be given a rest (the mention of Tarantino in the play, and of Martin McDonagh in the interview with Harrelson in the programme gave a hint as to the inspiration for this, but together with comments about Diana and Thatcher in the play, bits of it seem a bit dated to be honest)

The actual space the play was in seemed a bit daunting when I saw how many people were in the room, but the view I had from the centre of the second row was faultless: no craning my neck to see what was happening at any moment and I was close enough to be able to read everyone’s expressions perfectly. Yes it was expensive but still cheaper than most of the theatres in the West End, I’m glad I got to see it.

[joem]

No expectations, as I knew nothing of the play, and had a good long thought about paying the asking prices but... what the heck, still cheaper than the lunch at the River Cafe which preceded today's matinee.

I knew the venue so had no illusions about it but, although the seats are far from comfortable and the bar staff were engaged in a potentially dangerous civil war amongst themselves, the sight lines were pretty good.

As for the play, I loved it. It was very funny, at times grotesquely so (bit Ortonesque at times) but still dealt in interesting subjects and themes, getting away with it because, after all, it's only a comedy. I hear what some people say about violence and offense but, to me, the theatre should not always be a safe place and a safe space. People around me do all sorts of things which I could choose to find offensive every day of my life but I generally don't take it, especially when it's not directed at me. Even Only Fools and Horses has a trigger warning these days.

Loved the acting. Andy Serkis does the get short straw here a bit, his pompous self-serving theatre director is more often than not reacting to the two other characters. Luisa Harland is very good as the stubborn playwright but Woody Harrelson, an actor whose career has largely passed me by, is (to me) a revelation in his portrayal of the arrogant, ignorant and self-important caricature of an actor.

For once, a merited standing ovation.

[thistimetomorrow]

Has anyone tried the in person rush for this? Wondering whether I can get there for 6pm on the dot or whether I should get there before?

[aspieandy]

Jan 8, 2024 9:16:19 GMT thistimetomorrow said:

Has anyone tried the in person rush for this? Wondering whether I can get there for 6pm on the dot or whether I should get there before?

Fwiw, when I was there I noticed the box office screen said 'limited availability' so asked and was given an upgrade several rows closer.

That's just one experience but if you're up for it, could well be worth a punt.