Comments on: Brit-pop Shakespeare http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/ Mon, 07 May 2012 09:58:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Mitch Whitehead http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48456 Mitch Whitehead Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:50:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48456 I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note. I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note.

]]> By: Mitch Whitehead http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48461 Mitch Whitehead Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:50:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48461 I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note. I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note.

]]> By: Mitch Whitehead http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48466 Mitch Whitehead Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:50:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48466 I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note. I very very rarely ever comment on a show I've been in, but I'm going to this time because it could well be my last big part in Durham. I had an amazing time doing this show and have made some incredibly close friends out of it, but that aside, as a piece of theatre, I thought it was excellent. Hugh was a superb director who stretched us as far as we could and helped to shape the fantastic performances that you saw. Thank you to everyone who said great things. I don't think there was a single weak link in the cast, sadly not everyone thinks this is the case and I would encourage all of you who said great things to join me in shock and, to be honest, a little disappointment at the forth coming palatinate review. That aside, I'm glad people enjoyed it. It certainly does have some tricky characters and a lot of dark scenes to be balanced with the lighter ones but I'm proud of what we did as a group and what I did as an actor. If Shylock turns out to be my last big part in Durham than I can be happy that I'll leave on a high note.

]]> By: Hanna http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48455 Hanna Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:07:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48455 <p>Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential. </p> <p>Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy.  </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential.

Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy. 

 

]]> By: Hanna http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48460 Hanna Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:07:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48460 <p>Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential. </p> <p>Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy.  </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential.

Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy. 

 

]]> By: Hanna http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48465 Hanna Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:07:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48465 <p>Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential. </p> <p>Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy.  </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Just wanted to say that I thought this production was really well put together, nicely executed by all involved.I too did not get the flashy disco lights but it certainly did not detract from my enjoyment of some really lovely performances. Particular mention to Mitch Whitehead as Shylock (I didn’t except such a subtle interpretation of the role but I liked it) and to Ollie King as Antonio- that part is one of the more difficult Shakespeare roles (due to his irritating perpetual petulance) and I thought he handled beautifully, most notably in the trial scene. Ollie's roles have tended to be of the more heightened farcical variety but here he proved himself as a serious actor of great merit and of huge potential.

Well done Hugh and everyone involved (Maddy was also particularly impressive). I still hate the last act of that play but it at least, in this production, made me laugh so I was happy. 

 

]]> By: Stefania http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48454 Stefania Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:35:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48454 Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time! Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time!

]]> By: Stefania http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48459 Stefania Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:35:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48459 Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time! Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time!

]]> By: Stefania http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48464 Stefania Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:35:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48464 Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time! Alack alas due to the usual final year work commitments, I didn't get to see this play (big regret having read the review), but I did want to congratulate whoever created the publicity posters, they really were stunningly designed and some of the most attractive and eye-catching that I've seen around Durham for some time!

]]> By: Gethin http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48453 Gethin Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:25:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48453 <p>I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.</p> I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.

]]> By: Gethin http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48458 Gethin Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:25:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48458 <p>I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.</p> I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.

]]> By: Gethin http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48463 Gethin Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:25:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48463 <p>I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.</p> I agree with the majority of Chris' comments.  However I think that although largely a good play the relationship you mention between Wates' and Scharf's (straight man and clown) didn't work.  Scharf's portrayal was in my opinion too flamboyant which waas either through his own fault or perhaps Wates needed to match his energy a bit more.  This could be said about Wates in general and maybe was also the cause of his lack of chemistry with Knight.  Wates can be excellent (as in The Caretaker) but in this play when surrounded by other actors who were much bigger his characterisation was almost too naturalistic.

]]> By: Crom http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48452 Crom Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:42:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48452 <p> </p><p>I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped. </p>  

I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped.

]]> By: Crom http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48457 Crom Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:42:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48457 <p> </p><p>I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped. </p>  

I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped.

]]> By: Crom http://www.durham21.co.uk/2007/02/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48462 Crom Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:42:00 +0000 http://durham21.iambigred.com/uncategorized/brit-pop-shakespeare/#comment-48462 <p> </p><p>I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped. </p>  

I too liked this production. But I thought the scenes in Belmont had been deliberatley staged to be antithetical to the 'grittiness' of the Venice scenes, as an effective 'fairyland' where people don't need to worry about the serious matters of life. The only thing that irked was the flashing disco lights between the scenes. But as I think there were meant to be dancers  performing at these moments, who dropped out in the production week (I believe) then I suppose it couldn't be helped.

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