Barry Izbak
U.T.A.
The Theatre 2012 thread seemend worthwhile, so............
I was at the final night of Quartermaine's Terms at the Theatre Royal last night, amongst a large audience who were presumably attracted by Rowan Atkinson being in the lead role, rather than the actual play itself.
I was keen to see Atkinson too, but was also interested to see the play, having performed in a local production some years ago. My memories of that am-dram event are mostly bad, from the cast, the venue, the director, and my performance to the actual play itself.
Thankfully the actors in the professional production last night were understandably fabulous compared to the ad-dram cast of which I was part, but I've got to say that the play itself was no better in my opinion. Indeed I am amazed it made it to the stage, let alone being lined up for a run in the West End.
The only reason I can think it has been revived is because it gives the perfect platform for Rowan Atkinson to play Mr. Bean with dialogue. The part of Quartermaine is a Mr Bean character, without the "hilarious" slapstick. Atkinson played it perfectly. He couldn't help but do so.
The actor playing Henry was partcularly strong I thought, as were the rest of the supporting cast.
Good to see the Theatre Royal so full. Shame that I have seen better plays there in the past twelve months attended by smaller audiences. 5/10
I was at the final night of Quartermaine's Terms at the Theatre Royal last night, amongst a large audience who were presumably attracted by Rowan Atkinson being in the lead role, rather than the actual play itself.
I was keen to see Atkinson too, but was also interested to see the play, having performed in a local production some years ago. My memories of that am-dram event are mostly bad, from the cast, the venue, the director, and my performance to the actual play itself.
Thankfully the actors in the professional production last night were understandably fabulous compared to the ad-dram cast of which I was part, but I've got to say that the play itself was no better in my opinion. Indeed I am amazed it made it to the stage, let alone being lined up for a run in the West End.
The only reason I can think it has been revived is because it gives the perfect platform for Rowan Atkinson to play Mr. Bean with dialogue. The part of Quartermaine is a Mr Bean character, without the "hilarious" slapstick. Atkinson played it perfectly. He couldn't help but do so.
The actor playing Henry was partcularly strong I thought, as were the rest of the supporting cast.
Good to see the Theatre Royal so full. Shame that I have seen better plays there in the past twelve months attended by smaller audiences. 5/10