Productions at ENO of late have been so good they've even won over an opera sceptic like me. Now they've a spring season that's even more user friendly, there's tickets to suit most budgets and there's never been a better time to give the art form a try or simply to remind yourself how exciting it is to enjoy world class singers and musicians bringing great works to life.
Last week I had a very jolly evening at their revival of PIRATES OF PENZANCE by the Victorian writers Gilbert and Sullivan. They created a whole string of hit shows in their time which still dazzle with their wonderfully hummable tunes and sunny humour. If your new to their repertoire, Pirates is one of their most popular confections, much loved by amateur performers and enthusiasts. Seeing it performed by world class professionals however is a stirring reminder that the work is far more then an end of term romp.
Anthony Sher in DEATH OF A SALESMAN at the Noel Coward Theatre. The first thing you should know if you’re considering buying a ticket to see Sir Anthony Sher in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN, written by Arthur Miller in 1949, is that you’ll be watching one of the greatest plays ever created.
There are very few actors whose appearance in a film or TV show will make me want to watch it regardless of anything else. John Goodman is one of those actors so it was a great thrill to be able to see him live in the West End. It’s not that he’s particularly different in each performance. Even though he does a nice line in villains from time to time and occasionally flirts with an accent he always looks and sounds pretty much as he did as Dan Connor in the long running, hit sit-com Roseanne, which made him a household name.
For musical theatre actresses the role of Momma Rose is like KING LEAR. In fact to get the chance to play it is even more prestigious. Anyone can have a stab at Lear where as permission to play the lead part in the musical GYPSY is jealously guarded by those who control the performing rights. Only actresses of great pedigree and track record are allowed to headline in this classic Broadway show.
One of the better jukebox musicals I have seen on the West End, a slightly stronger supporting cast and meatier storyline would be the icing on the cake here.