Book now for new shows

Book now for new shows

Grace Pervades****
Is at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 11 July so hurry now to see it!

pic: Marc Brenner

Ralph Fiennes is the legendary actor Sir Henry Irving and Miranda Raison plays the famous actress Ellen Terry in this new play by David Hare. We see how the two came to work together at Irving’s Lyceum Theatre company, their different approaches to acting and to life in general. We also see the grown-up children of Ellen Terry: Edith Craig (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis) and Edward Gordon Craig (Jordan Metcalfe) and their development in theatre. In a number of scenes, spanning many years, we learn something of the lives of these four.

First seen at the Theatre Royal Bath, this play by David Hare can now be seen at the beautiful Theatre Royal Haymarket. It’s a super production with costumes lighting and set enhancing the storyline.

Irving was the first actor to be knighted in 1895 and Fiennes delivers a performance that is worthy of his predecessor. While Irving kept his personal life very private, Ellen Terry had quite a scandalous love life. Speculation still exists over whether the two actually had an affair. A very different character from Fiennes as Irving, Raison brings a light touch and glamour to her role.

A well defined production with good scenery changes and appropriate lighting and costumes gives the play a realistic foundation and helps to provide an engaging evening’s experience.

And do book now for a really super production of High Society**** at the Barbican Theatre (until 11 July, then touring).

pic: Pamela Raith

The songs are, of course, delightful and all put over most competently by Helen George as wealthy Tracy Lord, Julian Ovendon as her ex-husband Dexter and fiancé George played by David Seadon-Young. In addition Felicity Kendal is charming as Mother Lord while Nigel Lindsay steals scenes as female-chasing Uncle Willie. The celebrity cast includes the young Freddie Fox as Mike, an undercover journalist and Carly Mercedes- Dyer is right on the ball as his coworker and photographer, Liz.

Some songs, such as Be a clown have been added from other shows. Ovendon has a great voice and George trills nicely. True Love is delicately sung by the two of them. Naomi Pacquette as Dina, the younger sister of Tracy, is cute and well put over. While the show might lack any real depth, the light comedy keeps it going.

With some lively dancing sequences under choreographer Anthony Van Last and super lighting and costumes, the glorious music will have youn leaving the theatre with a considerably lighter step than you entered.