|
|
 |
| |
Convincing performances: Michael Pennington, Patricia
Routledge and Roy Dotrice |
Friendships survive
THE BEST OF FRIENDS
Hampstead Theatre
TRUE friendship is one of the rare beautiful mysteries in
life – true friends never require explanation or requirements.
Themes of Friendship is on the agenda at the Hampstead Theatre
this month, but although the writer attempts to portray the
theme of friendship between three British greats from the 19th
century, this somewhat long and miserable play focuses more
on the religious ideals of Dame Laurent and the opinions of
her friends George Bernard Shaw and Sir Sydney Cockerell.
As the three characters share their valuable experiences of
their different lives, the audience are left feeling confused
as to what links the characters together and what binds the
friendship so closely.
The characters lacked depth and did not develop as the play
went on. They maintained a steady, almost mono tone, although
the three actors were experienced and could probably have shown
their talent had the script been more colourful.
Roy Dotrice’s performance as Shaw was the highlight of
the play with his fantastic ability to “grow older”
without changing his costume or physical appearance. His comical
and often witty one liners were much-needed.
His credible performance did Shaw justice. Patricia Routledge
(better known as Hyacinth in the comedy Keeping up Appearances)
gave a convincing performance as the open-minded nun who was
full of knowledge, had a love of learning but led the contradictory
life of seclusion.
But the script was a little flat and the characters did not
emerge beyond the two-dimensional.
The writer convinced us that this unlikely friendship survived,
but in an otherwise overall dreary performance which lacked
the charisma and energy, it was difficult to justify why this
performance was shown in the theatre at all – it would
have been more successful as a radio show.
Until April 1
020 7722 9301
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
