Never have I seen a promotional trailer for a theatre show display nothing but a series of five star reviews and not a single thing about the show.
So much hype, but for so much substance?
… Well, yes actually.
This production boasts big names such as Imelda Staunton, Conleth Hill (yes that is Lord Varys from Game of Thrones!) and Luke Treadaway but that doesn’t mean to say that they have chosen names for just bums on seats. The talent of the cast (including lesser known Imogen Poots) holds together a script that is wonderful in its ability to degenerate each character and their relationships in the most crafty and mind boggily way.
This is the first time I have seen an Edward Albee play (took me long enough, I know) but what a play to start with!
All the action takes place in the house of Martha and George, the home of middle aged couple with serious issues within their relationship and within themselves. Staunton is perfection as Martha, she is unrecognisable with her accent and sheer craziness that Martha emits. Hill, as her husband, has wonderful physicality as a brow beaten, at his wit’s end husband. He has the most electric back and forth between himself and Martha.
The lighting design is excellent, so subtle at changing the atmosphere of the room in a manner that is unnoticable unless you look out for it. The cold light of day at the climax of the play so vividly reminds me of late nights that have turned into early mornings of my own life.
Of course Albee’s script is excellent but this cast brought it to life in a way that was so funny, sexy and traumatic that I cannot think of another show I have seen in the last few months that lives up to it.
Now, if you too want to see it without paying a small fortune, they are doing an National Theatre live showing in cinemas across the country on 18th May!
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