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smallhobbitWhen we looked at the plays the RSC were doing for this season we saw amongst them The Rover by Aphra Behn, which was being produced as part of the celebrations of 30 years of the Swan Theatre. Both SM and I prefer the Swan to the main stage. SM spotted the Public Understudy Performance was a Friday matinée, which since neither of us work Fridays was a great opportunity to see the play at a reduced price. Although the understudies will take the main roles, this does not mean a lowering of standards and we had already enjoyed one such performance.
Although I wasn't particularly taken with the play itself, it was entertaining and well acted. And, since we didn't know any of the main cast, generally we saw no difference. However the same actor understudies both Don Pedro and Don Antonio, so the main actor had to come on as Don Pedro during the duel - some things work with one actor taking two parts, duels are not possible. And for this performance the main actors took on the minor roles. It all went very well, apart from a non-firing pistol, but even then, it was 'third time lucky'.
There was lots of live music and dancing (the play is set within Carnival) and as ever the RSC musicians were excellent. In keeping with the setting, the costumes were colourful and, though I would not choose to see the play again, it was a good afternoon. And at £10 per ticket there could be no complaints.
Although I wasn't particularly taken with the play itself, it was entertaining and well acted. And, since we didn't know any of the main cast, generally we saw no difference. However the same actor understudies both Don Pedro and Don Antonio, so the main actor had to come on as Don Pedro during the duel - some things work with one actor taking two parts, duels are not possible. And for this performance the main actors took on the minor roles. It all went very well, apart from a non-firing pistol, but even then, it was 'third time lucky'.
There was lots of live music and dancing (the play is set within Carnival) and as ever the RSC musicians were excellent. In keeping with the setting, the costumes were colourful and, though I would not choose to see the play again, it was a good afternoon. And at £10 per ticket there could be no complaints.
