Critics' Choice
ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM
The Pit (6288795) Mon-Fri at 7.30 pm; matinee Thurs at 2 pm. Terry Hands's gripping and perceptive production of the anonymous Elisabethan murder drama, now transferred from Stratford, reveals it as a fascinating, enigmatic classic. Jenny Agutter and Robert O'Mahoney play the adulterous couple whose attempts to kill her stolid husband (Christopher Benjamin) combine pathos with agreeably black humour.
HAPPY FAMILY
Duke of York's (636 5122) Mon-Thurs at 8 pm, Fri and Sat at 5. 45 pm and 8.30 pm
Giles Cooper's clever, disturbing 1960s comedy about three grown-up siblings imprisoned in childhood ritual is still theatrically gripping and full of psychological and political nuance. Excellent direction by Maria Aitken of an impressive cast led by Ian Ogilvy and Angela Thorne.
NOISES OFF (Безумные подмостки)
Savoy (836 8888) Mon-Fri at 7.45 pm. Sat at 5 pm and 8.30 pm; matinee Wed at 3 pm The funniest farce for years. Michael Frayn's brilliantly contrived complex of on-stage disasters and backstage drama is still keeping houses full and audiences helpless with laughter after its first cast change. Phylida Law, Benjamin Whitrow and the rest of Michael Bakemore's crack company give it the best of both worlds - the commercial hit and the connoisseur's classic. (The Times 27 August 1999)
CHARLEYS AUNT
Aldwych (836 6404) Until Sept 24, Mon-Fri at 7.30 pm, Sat at 5 pm and 8.30 pm; matinee Wed at 2.30 pm Griff Rhys Jones makes one of the best "aunts" ever in a joyous production with an excellent supporting cast.
REVIEW OF A PERFORMANCE
Ex. 13 A new production of Richard III received both favourable and unfavourable reviews. The critics' reaction made front-page news in all newspapers. Compare the two reviews that follow.
1. No praise could be too high for the brilliant acting and staging of the famous play by W. Shakespeare. Richard III was written in the 1590s, but it was a chilling relevance to the moden world. The story of Richard's rise and fall carries a universal message about the politics of power, and Richard Eyre's direction combines with Bob Crowley's design to drive the message home by setting the production in the 1930s.
Ian McKellen as Richard is remarkable. Hardly ever off stage, he radiates evil and corruption throughout the play. He is supported by some brilliant performances.
Particularly effective is Clare Higgings who plays the role of Queen Elizabeth. But the real standout for the reviewer is Joyce Redman, who plays to perfection the role of the Duchess of York.
The costumes are highly effective, and army uniforms and black boots reflect the rise of fascism. Anyone interested in the theatre should experience this performance.
2. Richard Eyre's Richard III opened this week to titters from the audience and the worst reviews of the year.
Don't trust those reviews. The spectacle is far worse than has hitherto been made out, a milestone in the history of coarse acting.
The production was notable for the incomprehension with which lines were delivered and for the most wild moments of "interpretation."
As to Mr McKellen's performance, it was deranged. The final battle scene is unconvincing with soldiers in heavy suits of armour clanking across the stage. The huge steel set is cold and uninteresting and the lighting is gloomy.
In all, Richard III is a depressing play, and this production offers little light relief during the 31 / 2 hour performance.
Pick out the adjectives that are appropriate for describing each of the pictures. (on the blackboard).
colouful dynamic enigmatic subtle
fancy-dress/in costume joyous gripping magical
refined hilarious expressive enjoyable
depressing thought-provoking grandiose relaxing
inspiring witty perceptive admirable
magnificent touching/moving passionate heartwarming
intriguing effective praiseworthy
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Pick out the adjectives that are appropriate for describing each of the pictures. (on the blackboard).
colouful dynamic enigmatic subtle
fancy-dress/in costume joyous gripping magical
refined hilarious expressive enjoyable
depressing thought-provoking grandiose relaxing
inspiring witty perceptive admirable
magnificent touching/moving passionate heartwarming
intriguing effective praiseworthy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Pick out the adjectives that are appropriate for describing each of the pictures. (on the blackboard).
colouful dynamic enigmatic subtle
fancy-dress/in costume joyous gripping magical
refined hilarious expressive enjoyable
depressing thought-provoking grandiose relaxing
inspiring witty perceptive admirable
magnificent touching/moving passionate heartwarming
intriguing effective praiseworthy
____________________________________________________________________________________
Pick out the adjectives that are appropriate for describing each of the pictures. (on the blackboard).
colouful dynamic enigmatic subtle
fancy-dress/in costume joyous gripping magical
refined hilarious expressive enjoyable
depressing thought-provoking grandiose relaxing
inspiring witty perceptive admirable
magnificent touching/moving passionate heartwarming
intriguing effective praiseworthy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Pick out the adjectives that are appropriate for describing each of the pictures. (on the blackboard).
colouful dynamic enigmatic subtle
fancy-dress/in costume joyous gripping magical
refined hilarious expressive enjoyable
depressing thought-provoking grandiose relaxing
inspiring witty perceptive admirable
magnificent touching/moving passionate heartwarming
intriguing effective praiseworthy