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A new play at the Almeida Theatre, starring Ben Whishaw, promised so much. I went to the last preview, opening night being on the Friday. Which meant I could read and compare the reviews with my own thoughts over the weekend.
For once I agree with the reviewers, which in this case is sad because most of them are lukewarm. Whishaw was good, but for me the material wasn't. The plot had some very deep and important points to make, but laboured them badly. In writing the advice is to show not tell - and there were a lot of words, discussing the theme. For me, one of the most telling moments was towards the end of the play, when two of the characters who haven't met previously meet up and share an important moment, and the audience finally gets to see how they feel, rather than being told how they feel.
Most of the play is separate scenes, which have little to connect them, rather like illustrations of separate points. And Whishaw's character has good intentions, and speaks out against violence, but never seems to have anything to lose.
I have friends who are going to see the play, so I shall be interested to read their reactions. Otherwise, if you're tossing up whether to see this or something else, I would recommend trying the other.
For once I agree with the reviewers, which in this case is sad because most of them are lukewarm. Whishaw was good, but for me the material wasn't. The plot had some very deep and important points to make, but laboured them badly. In writing the advice is to show not tell - and there were a lot of words, discussing the theme. For me, one of the most telling moments was towards the end of the play, when two of the characters who haven't met previously meet up and share an important moment, and the audience finally gets to see how they feel, rather than being told how they feel.
Most of the play is separate scenes, which have little to connect them, rather like illustrations of separate points. And Whishaw's character has good intentions, and speaks out against violence, but never seems to have anything to lose.
I have friends who are going to see the play, so I shall be interested to read their reactions. Otherwise, if you're tossing up whether to see this or something else, I would recommend trying the other.
