A Friday evening trip to London’s West End or ‘Theatre Land’ to see a well regarded play.
Originally a big success at the National Theatre, the play has transferred to the commercial sector. That is good for us as we missed the chance to see a performance at the NT. We were in the ‘gods’; high up and steep!
It must be good as Tom loved it.
The reviews are positive; The Guardian loved it and Time Out appreciative and more from the Standard.
On the walk back to the Elizabeth Line it sparked discussion with Shaz. Yes a good play, a great personal performance but still a 4stars rather than 5.
The performance by Rosamund Pike is very much worthy of the praise and awards. Amazing of her to maintain the intensity and versatility throughout and for so long.
The content of the play was everything experienced by a professional woman. Career v caring for your son, the guilt of the imperfect parenting job, the protection of your son, professional challenges as a woman; the sexist male lawyers, the jealousy at home of the barrister husband who has not made it to the bench, the conflict of professional role and protecting your son- accused of rape when as a judge you handle rape cases. Of course he husband plays the guitar. A smorgasbord of interactions that seem to lack direction and with so many, plausibility.
I feel more in line with The Observer view point;
‘Yet Miller’s play does not live up to the threat of its subject: a teenage boy accused, a family in disarray. Too much is familiar; too much is spelled out.’