Tonight Nadia and I went to see The Pain and the Itch by Bruce Norris at the Royal Court theatre. It is a social satire set around a thanksgiving dinner. Sexy spy no. 1 (Matthew Macfadyen *sigh*) starred and put in a sterling performance on what was the first night of preview week.
He plays a character unlike any I've seen him play before which is refreshing as so many actors these days seem bent on playing it safe in the choice of roles.
This character is incredibly annoying. He is house husband, staying at home to look after the kids while his wife goes off to work to pay for their affluent lifestyle, a lifestyle they feel guilty about but not enough to turn there back on it and do something more worthwhile and fulfilling.
The role reversals in the family unit is obviously causing tension and the death of their immigrant non-english speaking maid and the subsequent explanation of the events leading up to her death exposes the lies their lives have become built around. Indeed the denouement has a liberal sprinkling of irony. It all sounds very serious but is actually very funny, with a cleverly observed writing and acting.
The Royal Court is a lovely theatre, medium sized with reasonably comfy seats - we had a great view from the centre of the third row. *sigh*
It has been refurbished in recent years and the bar/restaurant has a functional, minimalist look and serves superb un-pretentious food - much of it from Borough market and Neal's Yard and is very reasonably priced. Worth a visit on it's own if you are looking for a quick meal in the Sloane Square area.
Sexy spy no. 1. So close. *sigh*