'The Real Thing' by Tom Stoppard. Oxford Playhouse.
This production encourages high expectations. The cast have an impressive
number of TV and film roles between them, though to be honest, the
only one I immediately recognised was Neil Pearson, who was Dave from
'Drop The Dead Any summary of the script is in danger of making it sound like a
romantic comedy, and I suppose that it is, being a very sharp, funny
play about romance. The implication of light-hearted fluff is completely
inappropriate, though. The play is witty and clever, but deals with
powerful emotion in an honest and sometimes harrowing way. The cast
all present the contrast Kit Surrey's set design is excellent. At the end of each scene, the set halves and rolls into the wings, while the next set trundles forward from back-stage. This device was not only profoundly pleasing to watch but was used to great effect as characters literally drifted apart, or a play's set was replaced by the almost identical living room of its playwright. Recommended. Your high expectations will be completely justified. Alex Williams. 03/10/01 |