Theatre - Beautiful Thing at the Royal Exchange

I walked into this performance having no idea what the show was about.  I hadn't made the link between the title and the film that had been adapted from it.  I enjoyed the film a couple of years ago, without realising it started life as a play.  I put 2 and 2 together when I read the programme before the play began.

The set was even better than the Royal Exchange's usual standard.  It evoked very well the London Housing Estate the play is set in.  Without being dour.  With the lighting it seemed chirpy and summery.  The lighting was a fabulous part of the scene setting.  From the lights in 'other flats' to the overall feel of the day.

The cast never put a foot wrong here.  They were all excellent but I have to say the two women were fantastic. Especially the younger one who was playing a gobby truant.  The conversations between characters was great. It zipped along wonderfully and never felt scripted.  I have never laughed so much in a theatre.  The one liners are hilarious.

The story deals with two serious topics.  Making you think about them without thrusting them repeatedly in your face.  The sad parts are brief but not too brief.  This is a play that you initially enjoy and then spend time thinking about afterwards.  It doesn't have an explained ending.  It seems that life will carry on.  Not necessarily easily but there's no portent of misery either.

Thanks to a fantastic script and a script full of great banter, this is the play I have most enjoyed at the Royal Exchange.  I'd be hard pressed to think of one I've enjoyed more anywhere.  I'm gutted I haven't chance to see it again.

One question I left with was - Why don't they make those duvet covers in a Double?

I hope any local readers can make it there if they haven't already.  It's well worth the trip.  More info can be found on the Royal Exchange website.

5 out of 5 pawprints

Private Lives at Oldham Coliseum

This is the final show on this season ticket.  Oldham Coliseum is my local theatre and we always get great value from our sesason tickets.  If you're nearby and are interested their website is here. I recommend it as great value for money and a good night out.  It's the only theatre I know of where the cast join the audience for a beverage in the bar afterwards.

I was looking forward to this play a lot.  I saw Blithe Spirit a few years ago here and absolutely loved it.  Sitting down and seeing the Art Deco set I was ready to go.

The cast were great only 4 parts and a cameo.  Every one played really well.  I was a bit dubious about one of the cast's costumes but that was part of her character, poor woman.  The sets looked nice.  Everything was as it should be.

The only problems was I just didn't like the characters in the play.  It was a case of spending time with four people I really didn't like.  While I was with them big things were happening to them.  I couldn't care less.  I was surprised by how unlikable all the characters were.  It seems I need someone to identify with on stage.

The production was great but unfortunately I felt let down by the script.  2.5 out of 5 pawprints.

I would like to see another Coward play.  As the two I have seen have been at either end of my enjoyment spectrum.