1,120 posts
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Aug 28, 2017 9:25:47 GMT
I think you mean Ms Roarke.  |
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Aug 28, 2017 23:08:16 GMT
I guess after a long run of really must-see productions there's bound to be a dip at some point, especially if you're consciously trying take a few more risks and rely less on stars in classics.
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904 posts
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Post by lonlad on Aug 29, 2017 2:16:55 GMT
I think you mean Ms RoUrke (lol)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 7:26:51 GMT
Even Michael Grandage programmed some clangers. Dimetos, Polar Bears, and Inadmissible Evidence were pretty tedious, and though it was the Donmar West End season, we must not forget or forgive Madame de Sade.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2017 8:13:14 GMT
and though it was the Donmar West End season, we must not forget or forgive Madame de Sade. I rather enjoyed Madame de Sade . . . |
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587 posts
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Post by Polly1 on Aug 29, 2017 9:39:58 GMT
and though it was the Donmar West End season, we must not forget or forgive Madame de Sade. I rather enjoyed Madame de Sade . . . Yes, me too. Dimetos, on the other hand ... time I would like back. |
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Aug 29, 2017 17:31:35 GMT
and though it was the Donmar West End season, we must not forget or forgive Madame de Sade. I rather enjoyed Madame de Sade . . . It had a lovely set, and La Dench. |
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904 posts
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Post by lonlad on Aug 30, 2017 7:24:34 GMT
the low point of Grandage's West End / Donmar tenure was that execrable HAIR-inspired MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM with - God help us - David Walliams, as well a Sheridan Smith and lots of shirtless men.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2017 9:20:11 GMT
In my opinion, it's not that the "quality" has dipped, but more that the productions are of less general interest - which is a sensible policy in a small theatre. What's the point of producing something where demand outstrips supply?
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Aug 30, 2017 10:41:04 GMT
the low point of Grandage's West End / Donmar tenure was that execrable HAIR-inspired MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM with - God help us - David Walliams, as well a Sheridan Smith and lots of shirtless men. That was Grandage's post-Donmar season, with his own company - no connection to the Donmar at all. And FWIW, I really enjoyed it! |
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Aug 30, 2017 11:18:09 GMT
What's the point of producing something where demand outstrips supply? Commercial transfer that keeps the main venue going? People buying memberships to get priority booking for productions that are expected to sell out quickly on the strength of the brand? |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2017 13:56:22 GMT
What's the point of producing something where demand outstrips supply? Commercial transfer that keeps the main venue going? But the Donmar has only ever transferred a small proportion of productions. If they aspired to transfer every production, then the range would be much more narrow. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2017 14:55:00 GMT
Whereas the Menier seems to aspire for most of its productions to transfer or to tour.
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4,153 posts
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Post by kathryn on Sept 6, 2017 20:59:40 GMT
Going in with lowered expectations thanks to comments here must have helped - I found this interesting, rather than terrible! The eye candy and the shortness of the running time helped considerably - any longer and it really would have outstayed its welcome.
The problem is that the genuinely interesting ideas about language, knowledge and creation don't really translate well to drama. The abstract ideas just don't map well into concrete characters and action, so I was puzzled by why the characters did what they did, and therefore ultimately unconvinced by it.
Sad to see so many empty seats in the Donmar, too, I must say.
But at least it ended early enough for me to get the last train home and avoid a rail replacement bus service.
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76 posts
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Post by bingomatic on Sept 9, 2017 9:53:08 GMT
Well what a surprise. Was expecting the worst based on messages here and my experience of Salome at the National, but actually, I rather enjoyed it. Loads of empty seats which was a pity because I think the play deserved a fuller house. The music wasn't intrusive and dialogue was audible without any problems (albeit, 2nd row of stalls). Not sure if the following is a spoiler given hardly anyone will watch it, however, When the woman overhears what is going on in the stables with Pony Williams and a horse/another woman is she dreaming? There was a dream sequence with flour later on but was wondering about the earlier events.
That said, my other half hated it and thought it was way too pretentious. Although she escaped watching Salome so didn't have dire expectations. |
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1,245 posts
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Post by joem on Sept 23, 2017 1:03:58 GMT
Few empty seats but have to agree with most of the posts here. Pointlessly portentous, dark stage and incense, expressionistic acting with heightened delivery not necessarily matched by the language - ironic given that the play is allegedly about the power of language.
You don't know who these people are and where they're at and after half an hour frankly you don't care.
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Post by littlesally on Sept 23, 2017 21:02:15 GMT
When’s it end? was the though foremost in my mind. Utter navel gazing! Worse than Dimetos. On a par with the execrable The Cut. When the Donmar gets it wrong the don’t do half measures!
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382 posts
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Post by stevemar on Oct 8, 2017 9:49:25 GMT
I quite enjoyed this, if that is the right word. Moody and atmospheric, and didn't outlast the 90 minute running time. Loved the lighting. Simplistic story, but well performed.
However, does Yael Farber use the same approach all the time in direction, lighting and sound (low rumbling backing track)? It worked IMHO brilliantly in The Crucible and Les Blancs (I missed Salome mostly based on feedback here and reviews) and worked here, but something different might be a good idea. Low light, dry ice, man or woman washing themselves, flour or sand falling, tick... No backwards or forwards walking in a circle, but I think the Donmar stage was too small or dark for that.
On a purely superficial level, Christian Cooke's mostly shirtless appearance was stunning. Reminded me of Jude Law in Anna Christie.
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