Category Archives: Theatre

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Posted on September 24, 2013 by admin

James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the Old Vic through Nov. 30. By Ray Bennett LONDON – To cast a pair of old-timers – James Earl Jones, 82, and Vanessa Redgrave, 76 – as … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Lester and Kinnear in ‘Othello’

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Nicholas Hytner’s production of “Othello” at the National Theatre has drawn rave reviews from UK critics and in the theatre it was easy to be consumed by the power of the play and the great acting, but … Continue reading →

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An evening at the Idler with Tinker and Sir Tim

Posted on April 1, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Dudley Sutton (pictured above) says that although he has done a few, he prefers not to record his poetry and songs, which is a great shame for posterity but makes his performance at the Idler Academy, along … Continue reading →

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Royal Opera House is ready for its close-up

Posted on February 7, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett When the BBC’s new Director General, Tony Hall, takes up the job in April, the broadcaster will get not only a former BBC News Chief Executive but also the man who has brought financial stability to one … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Nick Payne’s ‘Constellations’

Posted on November 18, 2012 by admin

By Ray Bennett The infinite variety of chance and choice is the subject of Nick Payne’s funny and touching 70-minute play “Constellations” at the Duke of York’s Theatre in which Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall spin considerable enchantment. The chance … Continue reading →

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Recalling … Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes in Detroit

Posted on July 8, 2012 by admin

By Ray Bennett British comedian Jimmy Edwards sauntered into the lobby of the Pontchartain Hotel in Detroit an inch or two behind a magnificent white moustache, cane in hand and a Moss. Bros. light brown bowler atop his portly frame. January … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Raymond Chandler’s ‘The Big Sleep’

Posted on October 28, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – As Alvin Rakoff’s production of Adam Rolston’s “A Sentimental Journey”, about the life of Doris Day, opens in Los Angeles, the British-based filmmaker and stage director takes on another Hollywood icon with the World Premiere … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Mark Rylance in ‘Jerusalem’

Posted on October 18, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – “We are an unruly people,” Queen Elizabeth I warned the King of Spain, by which she meant the likes of Johnny “Rooster” Byron the Romany outlaw who cries freedom from his little patch of English … Continue reading →

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Jonathan Pryce to play ‘King Lear’ at the Almeida

Posted on September 30, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett Great news from London’s Almeida Theatre: Jonathan Pryce will perform “King Lear” there in a production directed by Michael Attenborough that will run Aug. 31 to Nov. 3. Also next year, the Almeida will have Federico Garcia … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Mike Leigh’s ‘Grief’ at the National

Posted on September 24, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON (The Hollywood Reporter) – Mike Leigh’s new play “Grief” is the complete opposite of his film “Happy-Go Lucky” with a family rendered almost cataleptic by personal loss and the gloom of post-World War II England. Given … Continue reading →

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