For me whilst at school, Charles Dickens novels were not attractive. One does in my view, need to be an adult of say at least 25 years to be able to enjoy if not comprehend, them fully.
Hence now being slightly older, when youngest sister kindly invited mrs maytrees and myself to accompany younger sister and herself, to see the play, we were delighted to accompany them.
The National Theatre was the venue and when we sat down there was not an empty seat to be seen - the Lyttelton was packed.
The play was based on Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend and was partly sung. Especially good at song were the two actors pictured above who on occasion sang brilliant solos. The whole cast though, excellently sang and danced their ways through the play, as well of course as taking on their speaking and swimming roles.
There was also on stage a great orchestra with piano and cellist behind an obliging bar. They were given resounding applause by the audience when called over to join the actors at the finale.
The production lasted for well over three hours. Though we all fully enjoyed the performances by the large cast, some of whom are depicted above, mrs maytrees noticed that one of two in the audience appeared to become slightly sleepy.
The scenes passed from West London to Oxfordshire. The places depicted, were momentarily illuminated by scripts set out at apt moments, above the stage. The large cast dealt with moving props and changing scenery most efficiently.
For me the play warranted 4* out of 5*. However most of the national press that I saw, awarded the show only 3* which confirms a view that many of the reviewers seem to adopt what used to be called "follow the leader".
A great play and afternoon's entertainment, for which many thanks to youngest sister.
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