The crowd enjoyed it, a standing ovation lasting several minutes with a lot of American style whooping bemused me (seemed planted) as much as the play. It had moments of brilliance (Ophelia’s suicide to sail to the moon, clever use of the stage) to moment’s of “ I shouldn’t be laughing at the bride and groom’s naff wedding receptions rehearsed dance”, Hamlets and Ophelia’s love dance. At least the tunes were good. I wondered how they would get “a drunken punch up at a wedding” in, oh of course the scene when four main characters die, it is a tragedy. A dark and empty stage except for a few Marshall amps, all actors in black set the scene for the greatest tragedy written in the last thousand years to the soundtrack of one of this century’s best albums. The band on stage playing live, but as if recording in the studio behind glass was effective but perhaps a little too polished to feel really live. Take that as a compliment. The acting was faultless even though there were times when they had to dance to tunes whilst delivering famous soliloquise, also surprised that the actors sang Radiohead lyrics at vital Hamlet moments, it worked. “Just cause you feel it doesn’t mean it’s there”, is about as Hamlet as it gets. Overall glad I went and had two days in Stratford (never been before, another review, a two for one, Stratford failed in trying to be twee). Great idea for the play succeeded in not being Mama Mia for more serious music fans. Can’t decide if it deserved an 8 so go with a 7 3/4’s. the play is going on tour after July, catch it if you like Radiohead
I heard his girlfriend Jacinda had arranged a special production in NZ for him of lamblet hail to the sheep
I won’t be at Villa Park tonight, but it will be Black Sabbath’s (original line up) final concert after a stellar array of bands that have been influenced by them. Not really my thing but I have a sneaking respect for them as at least co creators of heavy metal and genuine working class lads from Aston, as well as being, frankly, great fun - chaotic, nuts, loud and properly heavy. Doubt Ozzy will last more than a couple of songs, but hats off to them, and cheers. Just found out that this gig is in fact tomorrow night.
Hope the weather is better than it is here...we were supposed to go to see Arab Strap tonight in Glasgow, but it's been pouring down all day non-stop, and not forecast to stop til Sunday! Been there, done that, **** standing in a field for three hours getting pissed down on.
Bit of rain around apparently. I’d still much rather be at the Sabbath thing which promises to be genuinely emotional, and is all for charity, than in the stadium in Cardiff for Oasis, where the major interest will be whether they hit each other and how they will carry all the money away.
My mate lives near the stadium in Cardiff, 100,000 people will be there over the weekend. Carnage. He told me last night Slayer were playing in Cardiff too, mayhem weekend
Mr Staines, formally of this parish, is off to see Slayer at Finsbury Park on Sunday...not my thing, never really been a metal-head. Fontaines DC and Kneecap there tomorrow, be plenty of Irish tricolors and Palestine flags waving about so would expect a heavy police presence if anyone is going to be in the area.
I’m sure the wee chap will be taking one of his sons so he can sit on his shoulders. Otherwise he’s seeing nothing.
I was thinking about going to that. Might give a go now. Already a favourite álbum and favourite film, it could easily become my favourite ballet. Not much competition to be fair.
It was great The reworked music was the best bit as it was so refreshing You knew it well but it was different Just basically all a bloody clever rework of my all time favourite
