The Constituent - Old Vic (J. Corden, A. Maxwell Martin)

[drmaplewood]

Was there tonight, no technical issues thankfully but the scene changes are indeed unnecessarily slow.

This felt slight to me, and although the performances lift it, I wasn't very compelled by the material and too many plot contrivances to rank this any higher than 3*.

[nash16]

Penhall’s last play here was very disappointing too.

I can’t recall the name of it.

[Dave B]

We were there this evening and I agree with a lot of what MoreLife has said. We had on stage PWC Preview seats which were pretty decent

I found it a bit soulless really, the cliches and predictability lead me to rarely be engaged. There are a couple of good laughs both in the play itself and in the current political observations and really in the one scene with all three cast members on stage.

Anna Maxwell Martin did a good job with yes a limited character to work with. I thought James Corden was fine until the last 10 minutes and then I thought he was excellent, those few minutes let him move away from the stereotype beforehand.

The interminable scene changes kill any attempt at pace and to be honest there isn't reason for quite a few of them. The music comes in too quickly and too loud and then just keeps thumming along. Ugh.

Just a three star for me, I'm not really sure that it can really be improved to be honest even allowing for another few days of previews. My partner enjoyed it a little more than I did but even then rates it at three and a half.

We had some local train issues which cleared up as soon as we left allowing extra time so got there quite early, just in time to hear the BO briefing including that there were 12 seats left for sale at around 18:45 for £70.

[Steve]

Jun 18, 2024 21:07:22 GMT nash16 said:

Penhall’s last play here was very disappointing too.

I can’t recall the name of it.

Ben Chaplin played a music producer monster, who wanted all the credit for a singer songwriter's work, putting lawyers (Pip Carter) to work in force, in "Mood Music," also at the Old Vic.

I liked it lol.

[Steve]

Saw this tonight and really enjoyed it, despite it being a little lighter in tone than you'd expect for the material, and a little more serious than you'd expect from a James Corden vehicle.

This felt of a piece with Joe Penhall's other plays, continuing his exploration of the way the system treats vulnerable individuals, with something worthwhile to say, albeit I concede it is a bit sitcommy for such serious subject matter (swings and roundabouts for me, as for every moment that could have been more authentically tense, there's another that puts a welcome smile on your face), and it does feature three excellent performances, in my opinion.

Some spoilers follow. . .

As an aside, I'm grateful it got me out of the house, as I fractured my ribs falling backwards off a wall 11 days ago, and I'm still on painkillers, but the prospect of exchanging front stalls PWC tickets for gods tickets later in the run felt even more painful lol.

As a consequence, I'm glad this wasn't excessively funny, as laughing hurts. It is however, frequently amusing, albeit in a non belly laugh way, with most of the smiles belonging to Zachary Hart's protection officer, Mellor, whose one-size-fits-all systemic pragmatism is the target of most of Penhall's ire. Hart's matter-of-fact Brummie monotone, coupled with his bemused know-it-all superiority, make him the most reasonable seeming villain imaginable, which is why he's perpetually amusing.

James Corden is surprisingly not so amusing here, opting to play outside of his typical comedic range. The role of a former soldier, facing losing his children in family court, whose mental health may or may not be on firm ground, seems made for an actor who exudes unpredictability and danger beneath an affable surface, like Daniel Mays, not Corden who typically feels as contained and comforting as a bag of chips.

But this seeming miscasting actually plays to the production's benefit, in my view, because in fact, Corden is a good actor, and we are destabilised and tantalised by not knowing just how unhinged he can get, as his character, the MP's Constituent of the title, starts to unravel.

Anna Maxwell Martin is perfectly cast as the MP who actually wants to do some good in the world, someone for whom compassion and connection matters. I know this can be a real thing as someone I know was once helped in a similarly benign way by Simon Hughes, MP, who went out of his way to help her, his constituent, in difficult circumstances.

Anyway, like in Blue/Orange or Mood Music or Haunted Child, the way the stiff superior system deals with Corden's character is the crux of it all, and while its all a bit pat, its also thought-provoking, builds nicely and achieves effective dramatic moments.

4 stars for me.

[drmaplewood]

Can't believe I was there the same night as the big man himself - get well soon Steve

[nash16]

Jun 18, 2024 21:31:12 GMT Steve said:

Jun 18, 2024 21:07:22 GMT nash16 said:

Penhall’s last play here was very disappointing too.

I can’t recall the name of it.

Ben Chaplin played a music producer monster, who wanted all the credit for a singer songwriter's work, putting lawyers (Pip Carter) to work in force, in "Mood Music," also at the Old Vic.

I liked it lol.

That’s the one. I just remember it being totally aimless and treading water a lot. Not literally.

[nash16]

Jun 18, 2024 22:21:15 GMT nash16 said:

Jun 18, 2024 21:31:12 GMT Steve said:

Ben Chaplin played a music producer monster, who wanted all the credit for a singer songwriter's work, putting lawyers (Pip Carter) to work in force, in "Mood Music," also at the Old Vic.

I liked it lol.

That’s the one. I just remember it being totally aimless and treading water a lot. Not literally.

PS Sorry to hear about your ribs, Steve. I’ve done that, and was shocked by how much EVERYTHING moves when you breathe in. Swift recovery!

[nash16]

I feel I’ve read this whole thread, but has anyone discussed the purpose behind this production: the rehabilitation of Corden back into British consciousness now he’s returned home from the USA?

Do we think it will work?

It sounds like he/his team are hoping the fact he’s playing a serious, dramatic role and showcasing his acting, rather than his personality, will bring in rave reviews.

Do we think they will? And will he be forgiven for all things past?

Anyone who watched Fat Friends or even The History Boys will know he can act. But are they gunning for the surprise that he can do dramatic, and not just Gavin & Stacey?

[Being Alive]

This play has been trying to be put on at the old Vic since 2021, and it went through a number of names before it landed with Corden, so it's not fair to say the play only exists to rehabilitate him I don't think.

[theatrelover123]

Jun 18, 2024 22:29:52 GMT nash16 said:

I feel I’ve read this whole thread, but has anyone discussed the purpose behind this production: the rehabilitation of Corden back into British consciousness now he’s returned home from the USA?

Do we think it will work?

It sounds like he/his team are hoping the fact he’s playing a serious, dramatic role and showcasing his acting, rather than his personality, will bring in rave reviews.

Do we think they will? And will he be forgiven for all things past?

Anyone who watched Fat Friends or even The History Boys will know he can act. But are they gunning for the surprise that he can do dramatic, and not just Gavin & Stacey?

He is effectively playing Smithy from Gavin and Stacey in this (but you never quite believe the character is saying the words but is more of a mouthpiece for the playwright) so it’s not much of a stretch tbf. I also never really felt like he was listening to the other actor in the scene but he was waiting to say his line each time.

[Jan]

Jun 18, 2024 22:29:52 GMT nash16 said:

It sounds like he/his team are hoping the fact he’s playing a serious, dramatic role and showcasing his acting, rather than his personality, will bring in rave reviews.

Do we think they will? And will he be forgiven for all things past?

Forgiven for what ? I have a different perspective because the only thing I've ever seen him in on stage/TV/film was "One Man" at the NT and I thought he had genuine stage presence and charisma. Actually acting in a comedy role like that probably takes more talent than serious dramatic roles so I don't think he's got anything to prove about his acting. 

[alessia]

I was also there last night and liked this ok- tend to agree with most of the other comments; I too don't see the need for such long interruptions with the scene changes. The music that goes with it also feels overly dramatic..
The acting (what I could see from up the balcony!) was good, some funny lines and more emotional scenes. For £10 it was an entertaining evening, not hugely memorable or interesting in what it had to say, but somehow better than some of the stuff I've seen of late. Friend didn't rate it much and too a strong dislike for the Corden character, while I was a lot more compassionate and in agreement with how the MP dealt with him. Very tough job, being an MP!

[drmaplewood]

I forgot the repeated use of Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me by The Smiths - to quote Garth Marenghi's Darkplace - "I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards!"

[nash16]

Jun 18, 2024 23:31:07 GMT Being Alive said:

This play has been trying to be put on at the old Vic since 2021, and it went through a number of names before it landed with Corden, so it's not fair to say the play only exists to rehabilitate him I don't think.

Not sure I said that…

My inference was more how Corden and co can use said production and role for his U.K. rehab.

[Being Alive]

I read it as that's the only reason this production has been mounted, so apologies if that's not what you meant.

I also don't think that's true either personally, but understand people have a strong dislike for him for a variety of reasons.

[iwanttix]

I'm another who was there last night and can echo what others bave said about the length of scene changes. They're necessary yes, but they did take a fair amount of time.

I enjoyed the play overall, Zachary stole some of the limelight as I thought he was great. The performances were pretty good in general, felt like a few stumbles with lines but it is still in previews so not an issue really.

[A.Ham]

And another one who was there last night… perhaps we should’ve organised a Theatreboard meet up!

I enjoyed it but didn’t love it - as others have said I did get Smithy-vibes from James Corden in the first few scenes, but as the story developed and Alec’s struggles became more apparent (and increased), I think he did a great job, especially in the closing scene when his despair was most evident.

It was a clever play that compounded some of my frustrations with where we are as a country politically and socially, and (I felt) fairly accurately portrayed some of the difficulties we face - both in the way MPs behave and are perceived, and the threats they face, and in how our veterans who’ve given so much are often discarded with little thought or support when their service comes to an end.

Some good laugh out loud moments but I didn’t ever feel particularly emotional or moved despite some of the subject matter covered. The scene changes, whilst no different to the way they were done in The Human Body for example, and I’m sure many other plays, did jar and interrupt the narrative, resulting in any emotion or tension that’d built up dissipating and having to be rebuilt.

3/5 for me. Great to have seen it though and to get a front stage stalls seat for a tenner thanks to PWC, what’s not to like.

[mkb]

I am surprised mostly at the comments on the scene changes, as I can't say I found them excessively long tonight. However, I was seated on stage, so it was interesting to watch the stage hands at work close up.

There is good acting here, particularly from Corden in the final scene. The cast make the best of dialogue that, throughout, never quite rings true. I don't think Penhall has an ear for how real people speak. His Blue/Orange was so-so, Sunny Afternoon tremendous, but Mood Music utterly dire. Here, his ideas are good and the plot is engaging; I just wish I wasn't constantly thinking: I don't think that character would say that; I don't think they would respond in that way.

Still, it's interesting and entertaining and over quickly.

Four stars.

One act: 19:36-21:01

(The on-stage seating is very comfortable, has superb rake affording an excellent view looking down on the action from close range, and reasonable legroom. In contrast, because the square performance platform has been raised 18 inches above the usual stage height and extended out into the front stalls, the first few regular rows are looking up significantly.)

[mkb]

... forgot to say, there's some (brief) hoovering, this time with a handheld cordless. After Opening Night and The Cherry Orchard, this is quite the trend in 2024.

[Steve]

Jun 19, 2024 6:54:42 GMT Jan said:

Jun 18, 2024 22:29:52 GMT nash16 said:

It sounds like he/his team are hoping the fact he’s playing a serious, dramatic role and showcasing his acting, rather than his personality, will bring in rave reviews.

Do we think they will? And will he be forgiven for all things past?

Forgiven for what ? I have a different perspective because the only thing I've ever seen him in on stage/TV/film was "One Man" at the NT and I thought he had genuine stage presence and charisma. Actually acting in a comedy role like that probably takes more talent than serious dramatic roles so I don't think he's got anything to prove about his acting. 

I've seen him in a lot more, and agree with your point anyway.

I love Peter Sellers' work and he was a difficult man. I can separate work and man.

I remember attending a comedy show at the Albert Hall where Corden was playing a public schoolboy barging his way through the stalls to the stage, and I strained politely to let him through, so he decided to loudly shout that I wasn't letting him through. It was very funny, though not for me, but I will put up with anything for a good comedian lol.

[anthony40]

Jun 19, 2024 6:54:42 GMT Jan said:

Jun 18, 2024 22:29:52 GMT nash16 said:

It sounds like he/his team are hoping the fact he’s playing a serious, dramatic role and showcasing his acting, rather than his personality, will bring in rave reviews.

Do we think they will? And will he be forgiven for all things past?

Forgiven for what ? I have a different perspective because the only thing I've ever seen him in on stage/TV/film was "One Man" at the NT and I thought he had genuine stage presence and charisma. Actually acting in a comedy role like that probably takes more talent than serious dramatic roles so I don't think he's got anything to prove about his acting. 

I'm saying nothing!

[A.Ham]

From this week’s Popbitch email. Did anyone spot her?!

>> The good seats <<
One play, two guvnors

James Corden is back in the West End, playing Alec in The Constituent at the Old Vic. Supposedly he's pretty good as well – not that many in the audience on opening night were watching him.

The show is one of those ones where they've added some extra seating for punters at the back of the stage. Unfortunately for James and his co-stars, one of those punters cut quite a distinctive figure.

Even in the dimmed auditorium light, everyone could make out the trademark bob and outsized sunglasses of Anna Wintour.

[Being Alive]

Jun 20, 2024 19:40:34 GMT A.Ham said:

From this week’s Popbitch email. Did anyone spot her?!

>> The good seats <<
One play, two guvnors

James Corden is back in the West End, playing Alec in The Constituent at the Old Vic. Supposedly he's pretty good as well – not that many in the audience on opening night were watching him.

The show is one of those ones where they've added some extra seating for punters at the back of the stage. Unfortunately for James and his co-stars, one of those punters cut quite a distinctive figure.

Even in the dimmed auditorium light, everyone could make out the trademark bob and outsized sunglasses of Anna Wintour.

I saw on Twitter that she was at the first preview. 

[mrnutz]

I saw this on Wednesday night and really enjoyed it, though my experience was definitely enhanced by sitting in the centre of the front row of the on-stage seats. Incredible!

So close I could smell the copper's banana (not a euphemism).

Excellent performances from all - James Corden is annoyingly good, though mostly playing his usual character with a bit more edge.

Not sure why others have issues with the scene changes - didn't bother me at all and I enjoyed the musical breaks.

4/5