English - RSC at Kiln

[parsley1]

Think I am missing something

USA audiences might be easily impressed

Found it terribly written, pretty dated and quite unrealistic and patronising

[showgirl]

Well, they've extended the run (grr - after I struggled to fit it in during the original short one), so either it's selling well or they had nothing else lined up. More reports needed, probably; will add mine idc.

[Mark]

I haven’t seen this production yet, but having seen it in New York I’d say you are missing something. It’s a brilliantly clever play, and I enjoyed it enough in New York that I’m booked to go again in 2 weeks.

[parsley1]

Jun 8, 2024 11:01:54 GMT Mark said:

I haven’t seen this production yet, but having seen it in New York I’d say you are missing something. It’s a brilliantly clever play, and I enjoyed it enough in New York that I’m booked to go again in 2 weeks.

Yes I suspect I am just not clever enough

Or perhaps I am too clever

[alicechallice]

Jun 8, 2024 3:03:48 GMT showgirl said:

Well, they've extended the run (grr - after I struggled to fit it in during the original short one), so either it's selling well or they had nothing else lined up. More reports needed, probably; will add mine idc.

andrew put a positive review in the RSC all seasons thread.

[kate8]

I was really interested in this play’s theme of language being tied to identity, so each character feels that learning English shifts their sense of self, and takes something away from them culturally. There are 5 strong characters, well acted, although there were a couple of things I felt could have been better written (hard to describe without spoilers), and I wanted to feel a bit more emotionally engaged with the characters, but my friend and I both enjoyed this and would recommend it.

[nottobe]

I saw this and thought it was absolutely brilliant! The premise and the concept of showing the different languages really worked and was some theatrical magic. The story is also one that I was very much engaged with and it did have a nice amount of humour too.

This is also a very strong cast and you believed every single persons performance and journey over the course of the 90 minutes. You can see why it has been lauded and I would really recommend it.

[joem]

I was interested in the idea and, despite fearing early on it would be a rerun of "Mind Your Language", quite enjoyed this. Pleasant enough without ever reaching any great dramatic heights.

[andrew]

Jun 8, 2024 13:41:27 GMT alicechallice said:

Jun 8, 2024 3:03:48 GMT showgirl said:

Well, they've extended the run (grr - after I struggled to fit it in during the original short one), so either it's selling well or they had nothing else lined up. More reports needed, probably; will add mine idc.

andrew put a positive review in the RSC all seasons thread.

I won’t repeat it here but I liked English. There are moments particularly towards the end where the writing lets it down but I found the whole thing really charming and offering some interesting thoughts as kate8 describes. 

[merrilywereadalong]

Sorry to be THAT person but for those that have seen this at the Kiln...how high is the stage. Theres a handful of really cheap front row tickets for the final week or so of perforances. Just wondering if anything is missed

[beanbag85]

I saw this from the 2nd row Stalls with no problem and no one in the full 1st row appeared to be looking up. I'm sure you'll be fine on the front row

[Deleted]

I was front row aisle seat. Awesome show and the view was fine for the low price. Only little bits were obscured like the bottom of the whiteboard. Not enough for me to remember much. It's so worth seeing. Beautiful. Impactful. Funny. Great acting.

[theoracle]

I liked this a lot. As someone who grew up with family who spoke English as a second language, a lot of this resonated. I found it very funny especially the Shakira scene but also found it especially poignant towards the end. It’s not the most consistent play and I don’t think it’s a masterpiece but it was very enjoyable

[aspieandy]

Yup. As above. Worth a visit, though a pretty by-the-numbers shape. Decent amount left unsaid but didn't quite achieve poignancy. Strong cast.

The Kiln attracted the most diverse audience I can recall seeing for today's matinee.

Sold out - albeit with the help of an end-of-year school party. Much applause and partial SO.

 

[oedipus]

Caught this last evening. A very clever conceit, some funny-sad moments, and strong cast. (And as someone who took intensive Spanish as an adult, I could totally empathize with the anxieties of struggling with a foreign language while others seemed to pick it up effortlessly.) But the plot itself sort of peters out at the end: it becomes a character study of five individuals navigating issues of identity and migration, which is fine but I had expected something more propulsive, I guess. There was a full house last night, and a very appreciative audience.