Last 10 Things Seen in the Theatre Meme #6

Theatre meme time again. Click on the links for full reviews.  


List the last 10 things you saw at the theatre in order:


1. The Physicists (Donmar Warehouse)
2. The Drawer Boy (Finborough Theatre)
3. The Lady in the Van (Richmond Theatre)
4. Directors Showcase (Orange Tree)
5. What The Butler Saw (Vaudeville)
6. Steel Magnolias (Richmond Theatre)
7. The Cherry Orchard (Rose, Kingston)
8. The Conquering Hero (Orange Tree)
9. A Tale of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre)
10. She Stoops to Conquer (National Theatre)


Who was the best performer in number one (The Physicists)?
Sir John of Heffernan. And Sophie Thompson. Theatre’s best new double act!


Why did you go to see number two (The Drawer Boy)?
Reviewing.


Can you remember a line/lyric from number three (The Lady in the Van) that you liked?
“Possibly.”


What would you give number four (Directors Showcase) out of 10?
An eight.


Was there someone hot in number five (What the Butler Saw)?
Yes, there was: Nick Hendrix. A star in the making. Eden End suggested it; What the Butler Saw revealed it. (And how!)


What was number six (Steel Magnolias) about?
Why, the humour and fortitude of wealthy Southern women, darlin’.


Who was your favourite actor in number seven (The Cherry Orchard)?
Julia Hills gave great Ranevskaya.


What was your favourite bit in number eight (The Conquering Hero)?
The entirely surprising transition to the trenches at the beginning of the second half.


Would you see number nine (A Tale of Two Cities) again?
No, I don’t think I would.


What was the worst thing about number ten (She Stoops to Conquer)?
The worst thing about She Stoops to Conquer is that it’s not on any more.


Which was best?
Nothing life-changing among this set. But I had a very good time at The Physicists, Directors Showcase, and She Stoops to Conquer. And the brilliant What the Butler Saw has started me on a great big Orton binge.


Which was worst?
A Tale of Two Cities, I suppose. And, though it’s certainly not bad, high expectations led to disappointment in The Drawer Boy.


Did any make you cry?
Remained dry-eyed through almost all of these. A few predictable tears at Steel Magnolias.


Did any make you laugh?
Most of them, at some point.


Which roles would you like to play in any of them?
Alan Bennett 1 in The Lady in the Van.


Which one did you have best seats for?
The Drawer Boy,  Directors Showcase, and She Stoops to Conquer.