Latest news with #JeremyHerrin
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
David Hare play starring Ralph Fiennes transfers to the West End
Sir David Hare's play Grace Pervades, starring Conclave actor Ralph Fiennes, is to make its transfer to the West End. The production, starring Fiennes, 62, and Spooks actress Miranda Raison, played at the Theatre Royal Bath between June and July. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the play tells the story of Victorian stage actors Sir Henry Irving and Dame Ellen Terry and Ellen's children Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig – who made their own contribution to the development of British theatre. From April 2026, the play will move to Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited West End season. Fiennes is performing and directing a selection of plays as part of Theatre Royal Bath's Ralph Fiennes season, details of which were announced earlier in the year. Fiennes first took to the stage at Theatre Royal Bath in 2021 when he performed TS Eliot's Four Quartets – a set of four poems. His other recent theatre work includes Macbeth on tour, Sir David's Straight Line Crazy at the Bridge Theatre and Antony And Cleopatra at the National Theatre. Fiennes is also known for his film work and played Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and Cardinal Lawrence in the Oscar-winning film Conclave, which led to nominations in the leading actor categories at the Baftas and Academy Awards earlier this year. Further casting for the London production will be announced soon. Tickets will go on sale from mid-September.
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Every Brilliant Thing review – Lenny Henry gets audience on board for list of life's joys
Since its premiere in 2013, Duncan Macmillan's one-person play about depression has gradually become a cult hit. It's been performed in more than 80 countries and now – finally – makes its West End debut. There's a starry rotating cast, kicking off with Lenny Henry and also including original performer Jonny Donahoe, as well as Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver. Jeremy Herrin directs alongside Macmillan and a posse of leading producers are backing the show. It all screams smash hit. But there's something about the scale and downright snazziness of this production that doesn't quite gel. The setup is simple. It's about a young boy who, after his mum does 'something stupid' when she has acute depression, decides to make a list about all the things that make life worth living. Waffles. Hedgehogs. Falling in love. Before the show begins, scribbled notes with items from the list are distributed throughout the audience. At regular intervals, the audience is required to shout out the items from the list. A few spectators are also pulled into various mime sequences and running gags and, with Henry, they carefully bring this boy's story to life as he transitions from a hopeful young boy to faltering and thoughtful man. In the very best productions of Macmillan's play, the moments of audience interaction can feel really special. But on press night, everything feels slightly on edge. Perhaps the shiny new theatre and star performer are a little imposing. Every now and then, Henry can't resist sparring with the crowd. It's all good fun but every ad lib takes us one step closer to a standup show – and one step further from the warm heart of this play. It's only when Henry isn't trying to be funny that the show settles. There's a stillness and steeliness to him when he talks about the importance of protecting our mental health. Henry also responds beautifully to all the music woven into the show, which plays such an important role and underlines just how much this boy has been forced to live on the edges of his family life. Listening behind doors. Hovering. Worrying. Never getting truly involved, for fear of what he may lose if he lets the happiness in. At @sohoplace theatre, London, until 8 November
