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On 29 May 2009 at 18:59 , Ajax said...

Arcadia, Tom Stoppard, Duke of York’s Theatre, 29th May 2009

This play is a bitch. It sucks you in with an opening scene of easy drawing room farce. Then, quite without warning, the smooth theatrical mechanics have transported you to an intricacy of interlocking debates on history, science, poetry, sex and philosophy; a complete list of the issues it explores would fill this review and more. That there are no answers is fine – this is art, not science – but the sheer number of questions is dazzling.

A pure set of classical architecture and unobtrusive lighting is occupied by a large cast of considerable skill. Ed Stoppard sulks handsomely as Valentine, while his nineteenth century counterpart, Septimus, is coolly handled by Dan Stevens. Jessie Cave is convincingly vulnerable and precocious as Thomasina. Meanwhile, Samantha Bond is complex and poised as one half of the duelling academics; it is a shame Neil Pearson cannot quite match her.

That the staging and production should be unadventurous is fitting; this bulging, baggy work leaves little room for directorial intervention. The air sizzles with ideas, from which the audience is better not distracted. Occasionally, though, this can render the production a little cold. This is particularly true in the modern scenes, which lack overtly sympathetic characters. Similar ground has recently been covered with more charm by Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys.’

Nonetheless this is a philosophical meditation of astounding virtuosity, supported by the wit and careful theatrical machinery of one of the most skilful playwrights of the age. Just don’t go because you couldn’t get tickets to ‘The Lion King.’

http://meanderthalstandsup.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much for the tickets. Oh, and I am also enthusiastic about Ed Stoppard. Especially in Regency clothing.