227 posts
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Post by barelyathletic on May 13, 2019 13:19:23 GMT
Saw this again after catching it at Edinburgh last year. It's a really brilliant script with great performances. On the surface it's a simple drama but there is so much going on underneath about privilege, parenting, relationships, education and, yes, class. Funny, smart and ultimately very moving. Terrific stuff.
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211 posts
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Post by peelee on May 14, 2019 22:43:57 GMT
I've hovered thinking about booking tickets for this several times in recent weeks, yet there's been something about it that each time has caused me to fly away undecided. I admit this has happened almost every time I've looked at the Bush website in recent years. And it's not only the Bush that has failed to enthuse me when I have otherwise been up for a decent play and prepared to spend a bit of money on tickets, ice cream, play text or programme.
On the other hand, when I've seen reasonably priced tickets available for interesting plays at venues like the National, the Finborough, the Old Vic, Soho Theatre, Jermyn Street Theatre, the Latchmere or sometimes Questors, I've booked without delay. The Firm at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs and Rutherford and Son at the National, have had a similar get-on-and-book feeling as soon as I've slapped eyes on them on their websites.
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3,485 posts
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Post by showgirl on May 15, 2019 4:56:35 GMT
I've booked as the reviews from Edinburgh were good; it's shorter than some so good for an evening slot and you can get £10 tix at the Bush (all I ever book now) if you leave it to them to allocate seats on the day. Not a big theatre and all the seats are fine so works for me.
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211 posts
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Post by peelee on May 15, 2019 14:34:59 GMT
Actually, showgirl, I'd been looking for something I could squeeze in before the FA Cup Final kick-off this coming Saturday at 5.00pm. I've mentioned my behaviour re the play at the Bush, and wasn't attracted either by what the Royal Court has on offer. I've already seen the excellent Jane Clegg, a revival of a St John Ervine play, at the Finborough.
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3,485 posts
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Post by showgirl on May 15, 2019 15:53:28 GMT
It can be hard to fill a particular diary slot, yet at other times I struggle to choose between competing options. I prefer shorter plays in the evening and the Bush often seems to have these; also, at 2.30 pm and some distance from the West End, their matinees don't easily combine with other plans the same day. Is there a film you could see instead, peelee? There are 2 Vue cinemas in Shepherds Bush and others nearby. I also saw Jane Clegg and thought it well-done if a little relentless, but unusually for the Finborough they seem to be having to push sales; most of their good stuff sells out once the run has started. |
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3,485 posts
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Post by showgirl on May 17, 2019 3:38:26 GMT
I was very impressed by this last night (pretty full house, too) - and frustrated that, due to a short-notice meeting the previous evening, I was struggling to stay awake at first. Not a word I normally use as it sounds bit cliched and pretentious to me but this genuinely was powerful and one of the best new plays I've seen in a while.
It did seem quite long (95 mins straight through) and though there was plenty of humour initially, the tone turned gradually darker until it ended in a very bleak place - but concincingly so: the characters and their situation felt real and so well written that no one person seemed more deserving of sympathy than another. Ultimately far more intense and sombre than I expected but well worth seeing and likely to stay with me for some time.
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90 posts
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Post by gazzaw13 on May 17, 2019 14:50:10 GMT
I saw the Wednesday matinee this week - only about 40% full. A 4* experience for me, nearly 5* but a little too long and too many scenes with the children. I agree with showgirl that the writing was very even handed - I sympathised with each of the characters points of view at least once which is unusual in such a conflict-ridden piece. Kudos to Sarah Morris who had the least showy part but gave an excellent performance.
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