I've got a bit behind with my theatre reviews so thought I'd better get my thoughts down quick before I've forgotten all but which was my favourite costume...
Enron, Noel Coward Theatre
This is one of those plays that did phenomenally well when it debuted at the Royal Court theatre it has ended up with not only a West End transfer but also a Broadway run. And the reason for it's success? Well it takes a potentially very dry and slightly dull subject matter and makes it exciting, interesting and entertaining. I mean any play that uses velociraptors and light sabers together with an occasional song and dance routine to explain business and company finance gets a tick in my book.
If you hadn't guess from the title it tells of the rise and fall of US utilities company Enron and it does it soooo well. A great piece of modern theatre I walked out feeling like I'd been thoroughly entertained and educated at the same time. It's just been extended to Aug 14, go and see it!
Macbeth, Barbican Silk Street Theatre
Never seen Macbeth. I know, I'm surprised too. I'm gradually working through all the Shakespeare's I never studied and Macbeth is one. This was an abridged version (2 hours straight) so more of a taster really put on by the Cheek by Jowl theatre company which has a bit of reputation for interesting interpretations and staging.
The problem with the abridged version is that it meant for the first hour I struggled to work out what was going on. The pace was energetic to the point where I wished the actors wouldn't run around quite so much.
But it was worth it for the second half which gave a glimmer of why this play is much studied: ruthless ambition, insanity, witches, ghosts and plenty of stabbing.
There were some brilliant little staging treatments but I always feel slightly let down when there isn't any stage blood - something the RSC does really well. It certainly made me want to see Macbeth again though, but maybe the full version.
Private Lives, Vaudeville Theatre
Ah the lovely Matthew Macfadyen aka sexy spy no. 1. Had to see this for him alone. It's also got Kim Cattrall who doesn't immediately strike me as a theatre actress but I'll give anyone a chance on the stage. It's was my first Noel Coward play and is basically a farce centred on a divorced couple who end up honeymooning with their new spouses in adjacent hotel rooms. Love is reignited with amusing and witty consequences.
I was on the second row and for once grateful not to be on the front as you were virtually under the stage. Still had to slump down in my seat to avoid neck ache during the first half as all the action took place at the front of the stage. But it meant I had an up close view of the the gorgeous (and slightly trimmer) Mr MacF and the amazing looking Ms Cattrall.
The two had great chemistry on stage and both put in thoroughly convincing performances.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening at the theatre but the highlight will always be when Cattrall's character was shocked mid mouthful of breakfast bread spitting said mouthful of half chewed food into the lap of the some poor woman on the front row. You just don't get that sort of interaction sat in front of the telly.