And thank you Jim for your very kind words. I'm with you all the way with venues. They certainly add to the sense of occasion be they large or small. The latter adding to the intimacy some performances require. Watching my favourite Shakespeare play, Henry V at the Globe was a stupendous occasion. You could almost imagine yourself in early 17th century England. And watching his 'Scottish play' by torchlight moving from cave to cave with the actors enveloped you in the 'darkness' of the narrative.
I’m a little jealous of you Sarah. I think the writer’s challenge was despite all that Southgate did to change culture, England while vastly improved didn’t succeed in winning the trophy in Euro 2020 (or 2021 when it eventually happened) losing on penalties in the final. The narrative then one of unity in defeat that was a little trickier to deliver than the ultimate feel good ending that an England tournament win would have delivered. Maybe that will happen this time around 🤞
This is a fabulous insight to the play AND your experience, Harry. Really well observed. My mum goes to a lot of cinema shows of National Theatre production that she would otherwise miss. And opera too. She still has live performances in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle and I know she prefers that. But … if it is cinema showings or nothing she’d vote for the chance to see it. Like you, she’s an ear wigger of great conversations in intervals and before the curtain goes up. Really enjoyed this piece.
Thanks Barrie and overall it's a good way of bringing theatre in general to a wider audience - especially as prices have risen so steeply. I was there on Saturday to see a one woman play at Newcastle's Theatre Royal. At £35 for a seat in the stalls, it wasn't bad but even in the northeast some performances command prices over £60 and London prices are becoming ridiculous. I worry that theatre / Opera is increasingly an entertainment for the elite.
Harry, that was an astounding and enjoyable read. Live events of any kind simply cannot be topped. Whether it be sporting events, theatrical or musically focused, the experience of viewing and hearing it happen in real time is irreplaceable. I also have a deep interest and love for the venues themselves. I tend to appreciate the venerable locations that have stood the test of time. Be it stadiums, great halls, stages or theatres, they have a certain character and life of their own. The intricately designed and artfully constructed structures present and showcase even more, the special performances they host. Thanks again for a wonderful post. - Jim
Great piece. I was lucky enough to see this in its West End revival, and agree that Fiennes led an exceptionally talented cast. And it is a really good play, cleverly staged. Did you think it slightly ran out of steam in the second half? And much as I always love singing Sweet Caroline in a crowd, it was a rather obvious trick to make sure everyone leaves the theatre on a high! I'm sorry the cinema audience didn't join in.
And thank you Jim for your very kind words. I'm with you all the way with venues. They certainly add to the sense of occasion be they large or small. The latter adding to the intimacy some performances require. Watching my favourite Shakespeare play, Henry V at the Globe was a stupendous occasion. You could almost imagine yourself in early 17th century England. And watching his 'Scottish play' by torchlight moving from cave to cave with the actors enveloped you in the 'darkness' of the narrative.
I’m a little jealous of you Sarah. I think the writer’s challenge was despite all that Southgate did to change culture, England while vastly improved didn’t succeed in winning the trophy in Euro 2020 (or 2021 when it eventually happened) losing on penalties in the final. The narrative then one of unity in defeat that was a little trickier to deliver than the ultimate feel good ending that an England tournament win would have delivered. Maybe that will happen this time around 🤞
Something magical about live theatre. ✨
This is a fabulous insight to the play AND your experience, Harry. Really well observed. My mum goes to a lot of cinema shows of National Theatre production that she would otherwise miss. And opera too. She still has live performances in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle and I know she prefers that. But … if it is cinema showings or nothing she’d vote for the chance to see it. Like you, she’s an ear wigger of great conversations in intervals and before the curtain goes up. Really enjoyed this piece.
Thanks Barrie and overall it's a good way of bringing theatre in general to a wider audience - especially as prices have risen so steeply. I was there on Saturday to see a one woman play at Newcastle's Theatre Royal. At £35 for a seat in the stalls, it wasn't bad but even in the northeast some performances command prices over £60 and London prices are becoming ridiculous. I worry that theatre / Opera is increasingly an entertainment for the elite.
Ah, so true. Every dystopian novel should have the elites being entertained in gilded theatres!
A super piece, Harry. As you say, nothing can match live theatre, but the cinema experience was a good alternative to not seeing the play at all.
Indeed Maureen - I'm glad I went
Harry, that was an astounding and enjoyable read. Live events of any kind simply cannot be topped. Whether it be sporting events, theatrical or musically focused, the experience of viewing and hearing it happen in real time is irreplaceable. I also have a deep interest and love for the venues themselves. I tend to appreciate the venerable locations that have stood the test of time. Be it stadiums, great halls, stages or theatres, they have a certain character and life of their own. The intricately designed and artfully constructed structures present and showcase even more, the special performances they host. Thanks again for a wonderful post. - Jim
Great piece. I was lucky enough to see this in its West End revival, and agree that Fiennes led an exceptionally talented cast. And it is a really good play, cleverly staged. Did you think it slightly ran out of steam in the second half? And much as I always love singing Sweet Caroline in a crowd, it was a rather obvious trick to make sure everyone leaves the theatre on a high! I'm sorry the cinema audience didn't join in.