I just got back from the Princess of Wales Theatre where I saw the Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Hollow Crown. This is a play in 2 acts that takes you through 900 years of British royal history. It's basically a collection of anecdotes about various kings and queens of England. They start off with William I in 1066 and end with Victoria in 1837.
The play appears simple at first - the stage is set with 5 chairs, a coffee table in front and a simple backdrop behind. But when you get into it, it's fiendishly difficult to pull off successfully. It's only with 5 very strong actors that this play even becomes possible.
Fortunately we are blessed with having 5 incredible actors up on stage - Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Donald Sinden, Alan Howard, Sir Ian Richardson and Stephen Gray all give dramatic, convincing performances that carry the evening. To simply read through the script of this play wold be mildly interesting from a historical view, but the acting alone brings this play to life. Each actor is able to portray various kings & queens & other characters with such conviction and clarity or purpose that one can only admire their professionalism.
In the middle of the first act, Redgrave is called upon to act the role of a 15 year old Jane Austen. For a lady who's well into her 60's (if not older) she gives a fine and convincing performance with all the antics of 15 year old girl. Donald Sinden gives a perfect performance as a gruff, old man while Alan Howard ranges from a reluctant ambassador to a knight at King Arthur's table.
This is a fine play with even finer actors. It's a short run though - The Hollow Crown opened on Feb 10 and closes on March 7. I'm idly considering seeing it again, so fine was the acting!
Looks - 8 (Very simple set & costumes. Nothing to look at really but it worked.)
Attitude - 10
Value for $$$ - 10
Repeat? - Quite possibly!
The play appears simple at first - the stage is set with 5 chairs, a coffee table in front and a simple backdrop behind. But when you get into it, it's fiendishly difficult to pull off successfully. It's only with 5 very strong actors that this play even becomes possible.
Fortunately we are blessed with having 5 incredible actors up on stage - Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Donald Sinden, Alan Howard, Sir Ian Richardson and Stephen Gray all give dramatic, convincing performances that carry the evening. To simply read through the script of this play wold be mildly interesting from a historical view, but the acting alone brings this play to life. Each actor is able to portray various kings & queens & other characters with such conviction and clarity or purpose that one can only admire their professionalism.
In the middle of the first act, Redgrave is called upon to act the role of a 15 year old Jane Austen. For a lady who's well into her 60's (if not older) she gives a fine and convincing performance with all the antics of 15 year old girl. Donald Sinden gives a perfect performance as a gruff, old man while Alan Howard ranges from a reluctant ambassador to a knight at King Arthur's table.
This is a fine play with even finer actors. It's a short run though - The Hollow Crown opened on Feb 10 and closes on March 7. I'm idly considering seeing it again, so fine was the acting!
Looks - 8 (Very simple set & costumes. Nothing to look at really but it worked.)
Attitude - 10
Value for $$$ - 10
Repeat? - Quite possibly!
