Ben and Imo - Swan Theatre, RSC

[oxfordsimon]

Just home from press night...

This is unlike any Mark Ravenhill play ever staged.

It is delicate, fragile, hilarious, touching, human.

I did something I have never done before in a theatre. I started the standing ovation.

Both performers (Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates) were sublime. The direction by Erica Whyman was the best I have seen from her. Lighting and sound both exemplary.

The theatre was far from full. But this deserves to be seen.

I loved it to pieces.

[bryan99]

V much agreed. Writing and, particularly, performances that told the story of complex personalities and the creative process in an elegant and engaging way. Loved it.

[theatrenerd]

The rush tickets have been released for this over next week which can be bought before midnight tonight.

I am intrigued by it but have zero knowledge about these characters. Reckon it would still be worth seeing?

[oxfordsimon]

I knew very little of this part of Britten's life and even less about Imogen Holst and was still captivated by their relationship.

My friend knew even less and loved it just as much.

It is more a character study than a biographical piece. So I would say that you really don't need a working knowledge of the real people.

A general sense of the arts in the early post war era will aid a little with some references but again not essential.

[mkb]

Looking at and listening to the real Britten and Holst, I don't think they are well captured here. Holst was remarkably plain in appearance and Britten's speaking manner was authoritative with no hint of self-doubt or that he might be prone to petulant tantrums. However, if we accept this as a work of fiction rather than history, Ben and Imo is a mildy diverting piece but nothing ground-breaking. It passed an evening.

Three stars.

Act 1: 19:31-20:36
Act 2: 20:56-21:42
(Seen last Tuesday)