Tag Archives: National Theatre

THEATRE REVIEW: Helen Mirren in ‘Phaedre’

Posted on June 15, 2009 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The National Theatre’s production of Jean Racine’s tragedy “Phaedre,” in a version by British poet Ted Hughes, is so full of “woe is me” lamentations that when John Shrapnel as Theramene begins his round-the-houses description … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: Helen Mirren in ‘Phaedre’

THEATRE REVIEW: Ralph Fiennes in ‘Oedipus’

Posted on December 20, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Bloodied and screaming, Ralph Fiennes brings the tortured title role of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” to vivid life in a new version by Irish playwright Frank McGuinness. On a set that is both stark and imposing and … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: Ralph Fiennes in ‘Oedipus’

THEATRE REVIEW: Tony Harrison’s ‘Fram’ at the National

Posted on May 9, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — The title of British theatrical poet Tony Harrison’s new play, “Fram,” means “forward” in Norwegian, but a better name for it would be whatever in that language means “awkward.” “Fram” was the name of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: Tony Harrison’s ‘Fram’ at the National

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Harper Regan’ by Simon Stephens

Posted on May 6, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – A series of crisp scenes marked by sharp observation and illuminated by engaging performances form Simon Stephens’ new National Theatre play “Harper Regan,” about a woman facing crises on all sides. Lesley Sharp (pictured right … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Harper Regan’ by Simon Stephens

THEATRE REVIEW: Jeremy Irons in ‘Never So Good’

Posted on April 4, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Jeremy Irons gives a masterful performance as an old-school politician grappling with a rapidly changing world in “Never So Good” at London’s National Theatre, but the play itself offers biography more than great drama. Irons … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: Jeremy Irons in ‘Never So Good’

THEATRE REVIEW: Shaw’s ‘Major Barbara’ at the National

Posted on March 6, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Bernard Shaw’s play “Major Barbara” tackles themes similar to the movie “There Will Be Blood,” but instead of the American Daniel Plainview it’s a very English capitalist named Andrew Undershaft who takes on religion and … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: Shaw’s ‘Major Barbara’ at the National

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other’

Posted on February 29, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett We all know about silent movies, but a silent play? Peter Handke’s “The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other” at London’s National Theatre is mercifully not mime and it’s not completely silent, but it is wordless … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: ‘The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other’

Stars turn out for new National Theatre season

Posted on January 16, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett Oscar winners Jeremy Irons, Vanessa Redgrave and Juliette Binoche plus Ralph Fiennes, Claire Higgins and Simon Russell Beale are among the stars to perform and the fabulous “War Horse” will return in the new season at London’s … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Stars turn out for new National Theatre season

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the National

Posted on December 28, 2007 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — Simon Russell Beale and Zoe Wanamaker (pictured) breathe new life into the roles of belated lovers Benedick and Beatrice in Nicholas Hytner’s warmly enjoyable production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at London’s National Theatre. Clearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the National

THEATRE REVIEW: ‘The Women of Troy’ at the National

Posted on November 30, 2007 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – There are moments in Katie Mitchell’s staging of Don Taylor’s version of “Women of Troy” when the fate of all women condemned to suffering by war and oppression is made sorrowfully clear. An imprisoned queen, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on THEATRE REVIEW: ‘The Women of Troy’ at the National