Just back from the weekend in London and to see Patrick in Macbeth. Here are a few photos for anyone interested. Outside the Gielgud theatre in the afternoon. (London theatreland looks its best in the evening!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the production. I know it's a cliche, but or me it was a real Macbeth for the 21st century; pretty much a definitive staging, I'd say. There were influences from all over the place but the ones that stood out the most were from the recent Japanese horror house Tartan Asia. At least that's what I saw in the jagged, static filled back projection and tv imagery. I've seen that before (most recently at the RSC) but I think it worked better here. Special mention to the Witches, who managed to be menacing and amusing both at the same time. Moments of mention for me: Michael Feast's Macduff unable to comprehend the death of all his children. And from Patrick when he is enlisting the help of the thugs to do away with Banquo.
Who mentioned the underground train in the previous thread? I remembered it and was on the lookout for it. Excellent when it arrived. Reminded me of all the spy killings of the 70's Cold War. In fact the whole production harked back to that and to the fall of the Iron Curtain and more recent troubles in the Balkans. Yet, after having said that, the tone, staging, effects and atmosphere was so now in its edgy, afraid-of-the-future uncertainty, that it was scary. I've seen productions that have tried to tap into the zeitgeist and fail. This one doesn't.
I could wibble on for ever. Oh, and Patrick looked as charismatic and handsome as ever (obviously
)!
I did hang around the stage door with programme and pen in hand but we were soon told that Patrick had left the building. I tended not to belive them, but I had Mr WillsBabe with me and he was eager to get to the restaurant for the post-theatre drinks and food, or I would have pushed my luck.
A really great evening, I felt, and can recommend it to anyone over in New York when it comes your way in the New Year.
I thoroughly enjoyed the production. I know it's a cliche, but or me it was a real Macbeth for the 21st century; pretty much a definitive staging, I'd say. There were influences from all over the place but the ones that stood out the most were from the recent Japanese horror house Tartan Asia. At least that's what I saw in the jagged, static filled back projection and tv imagery. I've seen that before (most recently at the RSC) but I think it worked better here. Special mention to the Witches, who managed to be menacing and amusing both at the same time. Moments of mention for me: Michael Feast's Macduff unable to comprehend the death of all his children. And from Patrick when he is enlisting the help of the thugs to do away with Banquo.
Who mentioned the underground train in the previous thread? I remembered it and was on the lookout for it. Excellent when it arrived. Reminded me of all the spy killings of the 70's Cold War. In fact the whole production harked back to that and to the fall of the Iron Curtain and more recent troubles in the Balkans. Yet, after having said that, the tone, staging, effects and atmosphere was so now in its edgy, afraid-of-the-future uncertainty, that it was scary. I've seen productions that have tried to tap into the zeitgeist and fail. This one doesn't.
I could wibble on for ever. Oh, and Patrick looked as charismatic and handsome as ever (obviously
)!I did hang around the stage door with programme and pen in hand but we were soon told that Patrick had left the building. I tended not to belive them, but I had Mr WillsBabe with me and he was eager to get to the restaurant for the post-theatre drinks and food, or I would have pushed my luck.
A really great evening, I felt, and can recommend it to anyone over in New York when it comes your way in the New Year.
for me. 
