Lear is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, and tells
the story of the King and his daughters. At the height of his powerful reign,
Lear asks all three girls to tell him how much they love him, and that whoever
can prove their love is the greatest will be rewarded the highest. Goneril and Regan
battle to outdo each other but when he turns to his youngest and favourite daughter
Cordelia she refuses to take part, saying her love cannot be measured and
described in such a way. Lear is outraged and Cordelia is disowned and
banished. In the years that follow loyalties will be tested as Lear ages and
his dominance begins to crumble.
Directed by Sam Mendes, King Lear was performed by some
great talent. Simon Russell Beale took the title role with support from a cast
that included Anna Maxwell Martin, Adrian Scarborough and Stanley Townsend - all
familiar faces of British stages and screens. On the 1st May, whilst
they were performing live at the National Theatre, the production was being
streamed and shown in cinemas nationwide. Sadly we didn’t make it on the night,
but caught it a few weeks later when it was re-broadcast. It was an amazing
experience, as you’re witnessing the prop changes and staging of the theatre,
with the close-ups and camera angles of film. Also during the interval, we sat
watching the live theatre audience in real-time, getting their ice creams and
popping to the loo, but then after our break, we had a short series of interviews
from Mendes and the cast.
It goes without saying that the cast were superb,
all completely capable of taking on a Shakespearean classic, but Simon Russell
Beale was simply mesmerising, in a role that has you loathing him one second
and full of sympathy the next. In the emotional rollercoaster that is King
Lear, it’s no wonder that he is a two-time Olivier Award winner and has been
described as the greatest stage actor of his generation. A play with such dark
themes and a truly gruesome end hugely suited Mendes’ modern, industrial
staging, and it also made it that bit easier to follow (which I have to say, I
welcome!).
Sadly, Lear is now longer on at cinemas but you can see it
live at the National until 2nd July. However I’d highly recommend NT
Live performances for a fun night out, as well as a more affordable
alternative.
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