Shakespeare Live!

a dazzling RSC celebration - here's my thoughts for Sydney Arts Guide http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/shakespeare-live-the-rsc-stratford-upon-avon/An absolute galaxy of stars was gathered by the Royal Shakespeare Company for Shakespeare Live!, the extra special for one night only pinnacle of the celebrations at Stratford Upon Avon the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The production was filmed at Stratford Upon Avon on the 23rd of April, the actual anniversary day of his death, and is just one of many commemorations taking place around the world. A glittering night of nights was held in the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the highlights included scenes from some of the Bard’s most famous plays, a look at how Shakespeare has inspired other theatrical genres, including opera, ballet and musicals, and also how his works have been adapted internationally ( for example there is astonishing footage of touring companies from Africa and Japan) and how his works have been updated and made contemporary, such as in hip hop and rap versions. Sadly our own wonderful Bell Shakespeare Company did not get a mention. The evening was emceed by David Tennant and Catherine Tate who introduced each section and there was also a very handy caption held briefly at the start of each scene displaying the details of the play/company and cast. So many highlights…Shakespeare’s wit and humour were on display in The Horrible Histories segment, the big tavern scene from Henry V which featured a glorious performance by Antony Sher ), oh and the ‘yellow cross gartered ‘ scene from Twelfth Night with poor Malvolio. There was also a fabulous scene with Dame Judi Dench as Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream with terrific Al Murray as a hilarious Bottom. The ‘To Be or Not to Be ‘ scene with Tim Minchin and several Hamlets didn’t really work still it was fun seeing so many people who have never played the part get their chance in one of drama’s most sacred roles. Paapa Essiedu in the full famous speech was spellbinding. Other highlights include – the spine chilling horror of the Macbeths ( Anne-Marie Duff and Rory Kinnear,. and the exquisite lyricism of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet ( both ‘straight ‘spoken and from the Macmillan ballet versions ). Harriet Walter as Cleopatra was gripping and dynamic .Roger Allam as Lear was magnificent – raging and blustery. Sir Ian Mckellan as Sir Thomas More was amazing in a startling, fiery speech, asking us to imagine what it would be like to be an asylum seeker undergoing enforced repatriation….such a relevant speech! Simon Russell Beale’s This Sceptred Isle speech from Richard 11 was absolutely superb . Opera fans enjoyed segments from Berlioz’s Beatrice and Benedict and Verdi’s Falstaff . Jazz fans would have enjoyed the Duke Ellington sections. Rufus Wainwright gave a very moving performance of Sonnet 29 and other songs were also included ( eg Sigh No More ) in various versions. The scenes from West Side Story sparked after a shaky start and the Tony and Maria were terrific. I was, however, a bit disappointed in the literal , rather flat , rendition of Jacques’ ‘Seven Ages of Man’ speech ,which didn’t really work. The ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ from Kiss Me Kate ‘was fun , done in vaudeville /musical hall style but dragged out too long . The closing scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream with David Suchet as Oberon , Dame Judi Dench as Titania and David Tennant as Puck were enchanting. Incorporated in between the performances on stage there is a guided tour by Joseph Fiennes of Stratford Upon Avon divided into four ‘seasons’, including ‘ Anne Hathaways’ house ‘ and the house Shakespeare was born in, and earnest presentations background information about his life and times. This was a star studded, glorious evening culminating in spectacular fireworks. SHAKESPEARE LIVE! from the RSC screens at selected cinemas from May 6 2016. Running time allow 3 hours no interval http://www.sharmillfilms.com.au/?p=5675