Paper, Plays and Picture Shows: The Beginning of the End, or the End of the Beginning?

Well, it's been a while, but I've returned from the abyss of uni performances, exams, interviews, and dissertationing.

My biggest news is that I've now finished my degree for good. I handed in my dissertation (Mental Illness and the Modern Stage), did my last ever inter-uni fencing competition, and finished my exams all in the space of about three weeks. Now's the time to focus on employment, auditions and agencies.

First, though, I don't believe I've blogged about any recent shows I've seen. Let's start from the top. My first trip to The Royal Exchange in the past six months was to see Orpheus Descending by Tennessee Williams. After mistakenly telling my other half that this play was about a forbidden lesbian relationship in Southern America, sitting in my seat, I soon realised that 'Val' was in fact a man (oops). Being an absolutely massive fan of Williams (focusing heavily on Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in said dissertation), I wasn't disappointed by this production. I confess, I haven't read the play, but Williams never fails to haunt reader or viewer with his chilling, atmospheric sounds and visuals; The Exchange captures this admirably. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Imogen Stubbs in the female lead (some of you may remember her short-lived, but memorable performance in Jack and Sarah). I was promised an interview with the director, which I intended to use as a brownie-points-winning appendix, but I'm still waiting on her answers.

Imogen Stubbs in Orpheus Descending

Next came Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall at The Opera House. A touring show, this starred Downton Abbey's and Cold Feet's Robert Bathurst as one of only three characters; a senior mental health consultant. Seeing as this play is centred on mental illness and hospital politics, it was another contender for The Dissertation, until I decided to focus solely on American and Canadian Theatre. Again, this was a triumph of both script and performance. The parts were perfectly cast, the dialogue slick, and the minimalist, animatronic set very fitting for the clinical, soulless setting. Do go and see it whether you're a theatre regular or not.

The doctors argue over Christopher's (centre) case in Blue/Orange

My second trip to The Royal Exchange was to see Rats' Tales by Carol Ann Duffy. Although initially this seems like a Christmas show exclusively for kids and their parents, my grown-up boyfriend and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. Think Tim Burton meets Angela Carter (without the sadism), meets Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (remember that?!). It was a perfect mix of narration, physical theatre, live music, and elaborate - often functional -costumes. The Tales dealt with included The Pied Piper of Hamlin, Wooden Maria, and something about a changeling (don't worry, most of them weren't especially familiar to me, either). Aside from some poor casting in terms of child 'actors'; definitely worth a watch.

The troll changeling in Rats' Tales

Finally came something from my very own department; The Zero Hour by Imitating the Dog at the Nuffield Theatre. This was the brainchild of our Director of Studies, Andrew Quick; a hypothetical, parallel universe take on the end of WWII. Seeing as I used this production for exam material, I can't say much more, for fear of plagiarising myself (!). I will say, however, that unlike many contemporary pieces - mentioning no names (except that their first is Forced and their second is Entertainment) - it didn't outstay its welcome, despite the lack of an interval and the use of a dense, thought-provoking concept to digest.

Imitating the Dog's signature cinematic frame

In terms of cinema, my most request quest was to see Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. More so than most of his previous efforts, this is a visually stunning film that takes hold of you from beginning to end (I'm not waxing lyrical - it does!). I can't say I was a fan of Moulin Rouge, but with this, Mr L has certainly redeemed himself. The only questionable element is Leonardo's accent - is he...Australian...South African? I think the term 'old sport' confused him (bless). Well, he certainly looks the part. Again, go and see it (and prepare for some unspeakable racism).

The man himself.

Anyway, I shall leave you with news that I'm finally attending the premier of The Wedding Dress (if all goes to plan); a film that I made over a year ago, and I've been dying to see ever since.

Here are some pictures to illustrate the End of the Road, degree-wise: