Downstate - National Theatre

[Mark]

H13/K10 will be fine I think.
I was L13 mind and it was perfect for this show.

[foxa]

We were in L1 and 2 in the Pit, so far side and they were excellent.

[NeilVHughes]

Powerful and brave production to stage. one to digest.

I now have the embarrassment of asking theatremonkey whether he goes to the Theatre often, a very pleasant gentleman to sit next to and look forward to the Theatre Gods aligning the planets/our schedules again at some time and his choice of front stalls centre confirms he knows how to select a good seat

[Snciole]

I was at the matinee too. I was in M3, which I would recommend.
I really enjoyed. K Todd Freeman is a stunning find and it was very thought provoking.

My friend had not liked it because of the portrayal of Andy but I don't think it was an unfair portrayal. If he did have an ulterior motive then who could blame him. The abuse sounds horrific but it was also apparent that without Fred's abuse he would have a from childhood.

Could someone give Cecila Noble her own cop show?

[londonpostie]

I'm very keen to go back and look at this again so I may try for a day ticket on Wednesday.

There is a very sophisticated architecture shaping these relationships. To touch the surface, I want to look again at how Andy informs Dee, and vice versa. Bruce Norris is ridiculously inspiring.

[Rory]

I won't get to see this, which will be a major source of regret because it sounds as excellent as I thought it would be.

[orchidman]

Wasn't rushing out to see a play on this topic but glad I heeded the advice on this thread, a five star play.

Agree that The Nether was a much more imaginative approach, still can't complain when you see a genuinely well-made play about a difficult issue.

[sf]

Saw it Wednesday afternoon.

Outstanding performances - I mean really outstanding - and it's unusual to see a production where there's a mix of British and American actors in the cast and you can't see the join at all.

It's a powerful, thought-provoking play, but the way Norris pushes buttons, particularly in terms of the reliability of a victim's memory of his abuse, is a little too obvious and perhaps a little too cynical.

I can't say it was the most fun afternoon I've ever spent in a theatre - it makes Sweat look like a Feydeau farce - but I'm very glad I saw it.

[londonpostie]

Curious, what sort of crowd did you get in there on a Wednesday afternoon? Surely not the home counties WI?

[nash16]

Apr 26, 2019 20:26:50 GMT londonpostie said:

Curious, what sort of crowd did you get in there on a Wednesday afternoon? Surely not the home counties WI?

Yes, not with this play...

Lots of actors usually at final midweek matinees for shows.

[Fleance]

A full and quite diverse audience there tonight, for the final performance of this powerful and disturbing play.

[rockinrobin]

I saw it yesterday afternoon - I think it deserves a second life. I know it's only April but it will definitely be in my Top 5 this year. Brilliantly written (I like plays that make me feel uncomfortable, that make me chuckle and feel disgusted at the same time), even more brilliantly acted. Everyone was great but Tim Hopper and K Todd Freeman blew my mind.
I also have to say that the audience was incredibly focused and quiet (except a few sobs and sighs in Act 2), completely transported. Which, I guess, says even more about how good this play is.

I very much hope it returns one day.

[Someone in a tree]

I wasn't very keen on the 1st half, seemed to plod along but 'adored' the second as it was both gripping and thought provoking.

I work with paedofiles and the narrative was spot on.

3 of the abusers had terrible communication skills which was jarring to listen to /watch but I yet I was 'fine' with the content.