John Copley’s classic production sponsored by the Wadham College Middle Common Room.
“Twelfth Night” directed by Tim Carroll
I will need a lot of convincing to see another Twelfth Night anytime soon. Mark Rylance is astonishing as Olivia. All male cast includes Stephen Fry as Malvolio.
Mark Rylance as Olivia
Mark Rylance as Johnny Byron in Jerusalem
“Snow White” by Angelin Preljocaj
Not everyone would agree, but it was brilliant.
“The Flying Dutchman” at the ENO
Terrific production. Stuart Skelton’s Erik is outstanding.
David Hockney at the Royal Academy
This is less a show of paintings than a show of the very idea of show.
Russian Ballet Icons at the ENO
Citizen Poet
Mixed reviews
Rusalka at the Royal Opera House (a production Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito) has got some seriously mixed reviews
Financial Times *****
Evening Standard ****
Daily Express ****
Guardian ***
Telegraph ***
… as well as a priceless Daily Mail headline: “‘It was like The Only Way Is Essex’: Royal Opera House goes CHAV as it turns the Little Mermaid into a prostitute… sparking boos and a walk-out”.
A friend, who works at the ENO box office, once told me that tickets for shows with mixed reviews sell even worse for those with consistently bad reviews. Since I haven’t been able to access the ROH website all day (583rd in the queue), I don’t think this controversial Rusalka will struggle to fill the seats.
“The Artist” directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Starring Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and James Cromwell. Like the main character in this wonderful film, I don’t think the recent advances in cinematography add much to the art. This film confirmed my belief.
Atari-ya sushi bar in Ealing
Go for the Super Nigiri Set.
Princess Victoria pub on Uxbridge Road
It is a spacious, beautifully renovated, quiet library where you can have a good scotch.
“Fox and Anchor” in Barbican
Very expensive (but terribly good) food and ale in tankards. Above average selection of whiskies. Great interior and pleasant live music.
