We’re big fans of Ian McDiarmid. We think he worked wonders running the Almeida with Jonathan Kent and he is a fine actor to boot. He is also a nodding acquaintance of mine in Notting Hill Gate (although, writing in April 2017, it is a while since I have seen him around).
But in truth I don’t think this play/production did much for us. It all felt a bit grim. It sounded like it might be a bit like a Bergman movie, but ended up a rather drab stage equivalent.
The play/production is well described on Official London Theatre – click here.
- Charles Spencer in the Telegraph described it as admirable but flawed – click here;
- Rhoda Koenig in the Independent said it “failed to smoulder” – click here;
- Ian Shuttleworth in the FT was more impressed – click here;
- Kate Kellaway in the Observer was hugely impressed by McDiarmid’s acting – as were we;
- LondonTheatre.co.uk summarised many reviews and provides links – here.
No doubt this did well when National Theatre of Scotland took it touring north of the border.
No record of what we ate afterwards, but I’ll guess we went to May’s place (Shanghai Knightsbridge) to take away some yummy Chinese grub.