Tag Archives: Michael Gambon

2010 Evening Standard Theatre Awards

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Martin Freeman and Sophie Thompson in Clybourne Park winner of Best Play

The results are in for this years Evening Standard Theatre awards. As I read the coverage in tonight’s Evening Standard, I have to say I wasn’t surprised by any of the results. It basically boiled down to a competition between the National and the Royal Court for most of the categories. The Donmar’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion was awarded Best Musical, Clybourne Park by the American playwright Bruce Norris was best play, which will shortly be transferring to the Wyndham’s Theatre in the West End running from January 28th – May 7th.

Michael Gambon as Krapp

It was good to see Michael Gambon being awarded the Lebedev Special Award for his contribution to British Theatre.

Lots of the attention went to Anya Reiss who was awarded the Award for Most Promising Playwright. She rightly stated, “I know all the attention is on my age (she’s 19),  but I hope I will come to be seen as a good playwright rather than just a good young playwright.”

Peter Hall rightly championed the funding for the success story that is British Theatre lets hope those with ears to hear listen and learn.

Obviously these are London based awards, but as the capital is the heart of the UK theatre scene, the awards give a good overview of the current state of the Theatre in the UK. There is lots to be excited, and grateful for. I look forward to seeing what 2011 brings.

 

Krapp’s Last Tape, The Duchess Theatre, London’s West End – Review

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Michael Gambon as Krapp

This classic Beckett play opened this week in the West End, following its success and critical acclaim at The Gate Theatre Dublin.

It’s a 50 minute play with one single character, Krapp. Michael Gambon brought this enigmatic character to life before our very eyes. From the humourous to the sad and absurd, he kept us enthralled as we see Krapp listening to the tapes and recording his latest one. It’s an absolutely stunning and gripping performance.

The play itself is strangely beautiful and haunting. To me it felt poetic and Beckett has infused it with exquisite tenderness and power.

“We lay there without moving. But under us all moved, and moved us, gently, up and down, and from side to side.”

Is a phrase repeated a few times in the play, and has been running through my head since seeing the play. Along with a few other phrases.

The playful Beckett humour is present and even though this is a poignant play, Beckett allows us to laugh at the inherent absudity of Krapp’s and our own existence.

The intimate Duchess Theatre is an ideal venue for the play and the lighting and direction were perfect. There are two stars to this play, Beckett as the writer and Gambon for bringing his text to life in such a compelling way.