Richard III

Monkey Hanger · Post by **Monkey Hanger** » 30th Jun, '11, 18:42

Something for the theatre goers to look forward to....

Hollywood star Kevin Spacey has won critical praise for his portrayal of Richard III at London's Old Vic theatre.
The Oscar winner plays Shakespeare's famous villain with his leg in a metal brace, and limps with a walking stick.
The production, set in the modern day, reunites Spacey with American Beauty director Sam Mendes.
Guardian theatre critic Michael Billington praised Spacey's "powerful central performance".
"Sam Mendes has come up with a beautifully clear, coherent modern-dress production in which the protagonist becomes an autocratic archetype," he said.
Mendes directed Spacey in 1999's American Beauty, which gained the star the Oscar for best actor.
With its contemporary setting, the story draws parallels to dictatorial regimes currently making the headines.
As James Woodall points out, "Mendes provides a visually arresting, sonically sharp, sartorially unfussy reading. Richard is surrounded by slick-suited lackeys and spooks. Evocation of Libya-like implosion and militarism is plainly intended.
Spacey delivers his opening "winter of discontent" speech alone on stage watching old TV footage, wearing a Christmas cracker party hat.
His Richard III is often starkly lit, casting multiple shadows to highlight his deformed back.
The Independent's Paul Taylor described the play as "spine-tingling".
"It's now 12 years since the pair joined forces as actor and director," he said. "Mendes's new, eclectically modern dress production of Richard III demonstrates that it has been worth the wait."
In the programme notes Spacey reveals he has given up drinking and smoking to help him cope with the physical and emotional demands of the role.
Charles Spencer, writing in The Telegraph, said: "There is a curious grace as he minces around on his withered leg and turned-in foot and exactly the right kind of glee in his villainy. His Richard is often laugh out loud funny."
The cast includes Haydn Gwynne as Queen Elizabeth, Gemma Jones as Queen Margaret, Jack Ellis as Hastings and Chuk Iwuji as Buckingham.
Richard III marks the third and final season of the Bridge Project, an initiative that brings together British and American actors in classic theatre productions.
As well as its Old Vic run the production will embark on an international tour, including the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, Spain and Singapore, reaching New York in January 2012.

BoD · Post by **BoD** » 30th Jun, '11, 19:31

Being the pleb that I am, I thought this would be to do with something small and brown

The Bridge Project and Mr Spacey have already been at the SRT right ?

cromasaig · Post by **cromasaig** » 30th Jun, '11, 19:34

Yes, I went last time it was in Singapore.

Would really, really love to see this one.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 22nd Jul, '11, 12:43

We have tickets

Tas · Post by **Tas** » 22nd Jul, '11, 12:48

YAY!!!!
well done Kooky

Fat Bob · Post by **Fat Bob** » 22nd Jul, '11, 13:09

Just getting a crowd together for Singapore.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 22nd Jul, '11, 13:21

If it's anything like Sydney, get yourself signed up to any pre-sale lists you possibly can. Within minutes of me getting the email, seat choice was extremely limited for all dates, including matinees.

Get agreement from friends that you can make executive decisions on spending their money too (and thank goodness for Skype eh, Tas

)

Tas · Post by **Tas** » 22nd Jul, '11, 13:52

Well yeah, it just sort of came through in a hurry, and we'd only sort of mentioned it until that point. Lucky I'm bored as **** at the moment and doing the internet thing handy to skype (altho me and event pre-ticketing hasn't worked out todate...). So what she said.

baloo · Post by **baloo** » 12th Aug, '11, 21:57

Fat Bob wrote:Just getting a crowd together for Singapore.

2 for me please

OK, got two tickets. This should be good.

slinky · Post by **slinky** » 13th Aug, '11, 17:55

Thanks for the heads-up - just booked tickets

baloo · Post by **baloo** » 24th Nov, '11, 10:10

Well, that was long.

110mins
20min beer break
75mins

Had great seats, just out of Spacey spittle range, so it was a good night. Worth going to just to be able to see Spacey perform live. He's very good.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 24th Nov, '11, 14:41

Next week

so don't tell me the ending.

Monkey Hanger · Post by **Monkey Hanger** » 24th Nov, '11, 16:00

Does he get the hump?

slinky · Post by **slinky** » 24th Nov, '11, 16:03

Spacey is pretty incredible live in this play. That last 75 min after the intermission he is just intense. He was totally exhausted at the end when taking bows -- just completely spent.

I heard he was at the Elton John concert on Sunday night dancing his socks off -- I was surprised he had the energy after Saturday night's performance

slinky · Post by **slinky** » 24th Nov, '11, 16:04

Monkey Hanger wrote:Does he get the hump?

Yes, has the hump & also wears what looks like a terribly uncomfortable leg brace.

baloo · Post by **baloo** » 24th Nov, '11, 16:08

Agree that he gave it his all. Struggled to catch his breath.

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 24th Nov, '11, 16:51

Monkey Hanger wrote:Does he get the hump?

Ah, the oldies are the best, eh?

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