The new RSC

[lemonjelly]

Went to the New RSC theatre last night.

First off, had a mellow day out relaxing in Bourton On The Water (don't believe any pics you see - those bridges are fucking tiny). Lovely relaxing place it is though. Food choices are somewhat limited though...

Anyhows, after that, went to Stratford to see The Merchant of Venice and the new theatre.

Inside, got to say wow! Comfortable seats, plenty of width/space, great views from pretty much everywhere. In layout it is very similar to the courtyard theatre which they've been using.

The play itself - something else truly. I had no concept of what the merchant was about prior to going (before, I've always known the play beforehand). I wanted to try out a new play. And of course, Sir Patrick Stewart was Shylock, so bound to be good.

However what a show! Great set, some exemplry actors, very very funny. I did actually work out the important bits I needed to know to follow the story, but there was so much good stuff in there. Different uses of the speech, some great costume ideas. I did walk out saying to my friend "I've no real idea what just happened, but I fucking loved it!". I am sorely tempted to go again. I'd highly recommend it to any of you if you like the theatre. In particular, this production starts like no other production I have ever seen.

And elvis is in it!

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Thanks for the info. We are hoping to go there later this year.

I hope that the parking situation has been improved.

 

[OldGoldnBlack]

did you go for a pint in the Dirty Duck over the road afterwards?

If you go back, make sure you do, the cast usually pop in for a post performance pint before closing time.

 

[Squeeze]

Thanks for that Lemon...I love the RSC. Can't wait to go to the new theatre (are you listening Paddy?). Went to the Courtyard several times last year and we were right on top of the action on each occasion. Best production was The Winter's Tale. The set literally began to disintegrate as the characters antipathy towards each other increased, the set had huge bookshelves which fell forwards showering the stage in flying books and pages...bloody brilliant!!

 

[pavlosmacwolf]

The RSC is an experience not to be missed. I was a regular visitor before i exiled myself. Dinner afterwards in the theatre resturaunt was excellent, and back then, not at a silly price.
The Dirty Duck is a must for anyone going to the theatre. It used to stay open ridiculously late, even back in the dark ages.

 

[lemonjelly]

Thanks for the info. We are hoping to go there later this year.

I hope that the parking situation has been improved.

Never had a problem parking there frank, though I don't go regularly, but infrequently. Parked in the recreation car park. Basically the other side of the river to the RSC.

did you go for a pint in the Dirty Duck over the road afterwards?

If you go back, make sure you do, the cast usually pop in for a post performance pint before closing time.

I was unaware of this. Next time I'll definitely try it though! Would have loved the opportunity to bump into one or two of the actresses the other night!

 

[lemonjelly]

Thanks for that Lemon...I love the RSC. Can't wait to go to the new theatre (are you listening Paddy?). Went to the Courtyard several times last year and we were right on top of the action on each occasion. Best production was The Winter's Tale. The set literally began to disintegrate as the characters antipathy towards each other increased, the set had huge bookshelves which fell forwards showering the stage in flying books and pages...bloody brilliant!!

Went to the courtyard to see Tennant & Stewart in Hamlet. Great show that was! I've come away really thinking I need to go more often - I'm contemplating getting another set of tickets for Merchant, and also thinking about Macbeth...

The RSC is an experience not to be missed. I was a regular visitor before i exiled myself. Dinner afterwards in the theatre resturaunt was excellent, and back then, not at a silly price.
The Dirty Duck is a must for anyone going to the theatre. It used to stay open ridiculously late, even back in the dark ages.

Not sure you can get dinner there post show anymore pav...

 

[Paul]

Dont say Macbeth, refer to it as the scottish play

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

"macbeth"

 

[pavlosmacwolf]

Not sure you can get dinner there post show anymore pav...

That is a real shame Lemon, it was jolly good fare and a pretty reasonable price, as well as a decent view over the river.
I've seen that scottish play there twice, and bugger me both times there was someone called , "Macbeth " in it.

 

[lemonjelly]

I suppose in a taking the piss kinda way, they re-opened the new theatre with.....


Macbeth.

I'm toying with the idea of going to see it.

 

[lemonjelly]

Went to see the current showing of Julius Ceasar last night. Got the tickets for a fiver - fucking bargain!
Brilliant! Loved it!
It's a great show. & the themes of the play ring true today in many ways.

Pav, you can eat in the new tower that they have built. The new building is awesome!

Again I've come away thinking that I really should go more often...

 

[lemonjelly]

Going to see David Tennant in Richard 2 tonight!

 

[lemonjelly]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24538143

 

[Squeeze]

Going to see David Tennant in Richard 2 tonight!

You lucky, lucky bastard.

 

[lemonjelly]

Really enjoyed it squeeze.

I'd encourage you to go onto the RSC website & sign up for their newsletter.
They email you announcements & the like. Occasionally, you'll get an email with offers of tickets for a fiver! Bargain!

(NB I suspect it is the actor, rather than the fact that I went to the RSC which is making you perhaps a teensy weensy bit jealous? :icon_wink: )

 

[Squeeze]

Really enjoyed it squeeze.

I'd encourage you to go onto the RSC website & sign up for their newsletter.
They email you announcements & the like. Occasionally, you'll get an email with offers of tickets for a fiver! Bargain!

(NB I suspect it is the actor, rather than the fact that I went to the RSC which is making you perhaps a teensy weensy bit jealous? :icon_wink: )

Thanks for the tip LJ. I'm not going to deny I find Mr Tennant fascinating to watch :icon_wink:. Would love to see Benedict Cumberbatch on stage for the same reason.

 

[lemonjelly]

It's worth the sign up alone. I went to see Julius Ceasar last year for a fiver, & it was brilliant.
I wanted to go see Cumberbatch & Miller in Frankenstein last year & didn't get the chance.

Patrick Stewart is my fave. Seen him in Hamlet (with tennant) & Merchant of Venice at the RSC, & also in an Ibsen play in Malver, & best of all, in Waiting For Godot (with Ian McKellen & Simon Callow!)

 

[lemonjelly]

Not quite the RSC, but off to see Martin Shaw in 12 Angry Men tonight at Malvern.

 

[lemonjelly]

https://www.rsc.org.uk/news/culture-in-quarantine?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JL-ShakeBday-Public-enews&utm_content=version_A
I went to see macbeth, and there was 1 point where christopher ecclestone was screaming right in my face. intense.
I'll want to watch most of these.