Festen
Picture the scene: Tony Blair is sat in his office wondering, of all things, where his wife was last night. And where was she? At the Lyric Theatre in the company of another man (and her ginger daughter) - that's where! Seat #F13. For a showing of Festen. I only know this because I was sat right behind her for the whole performance (her barnet obscured my view ever so slightly). She was probably aware of my presence as the gentleman behind her loudly whispering, "no it's not - it's just someone who looks like her"* to his friends.
Barristers-aside, Festen was superb. I saw the film a few years ago so was fully prepared for the shock but it still affected me. In fact, I forgot just how many other shocks come along after the big one. It's a shocking story, no doubt there. As one of those people who claims to enjoy the theatre but only goes about once a year, I was also reminded about why the theatre is great. Aside from the usual reasons, you get to be your own director. There may be someone in the middle of the stage shouting but you can end up focussing on an actor at the back nervously twiddling their cutlery.
Retired to The Lyric (the pub) afterwards and toasted our friend John Riordan as it was his birthday.
* As Mr Jim Paterson pointed out at the time (also quite loudly), there is no one else that looks like her.
Barristers-aside, Festen was superb. I saw the film a few years ago so was fully prepared for the shock but it still affected me. In fact, I forgot just how many other shocks come along after the big one. It's a shocking story, no doubt there. As one of those people who claims to enjoy the theatre but only goes about once a year, I was also reminded about why the theatre is great. Aside from the usual reasons, you get to be your own director. There may be someone in the middle of the stage shouting but you can end up focussing on an actor at the back nervously twiddling their cutlery.
Retired to The Lyric (the pub) afterwards and toasted our friend John Riordan as it was his birthday.
* As Mr Jim Paterson pointed out at the time (also quite loudly), there is no one else that looks like her.