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[londonronnie]

Home again after a fab weekend away in London and Windsor. It was a bit of a flying visit really, but completely worth the 600 mile round trip.

High spot of the weekend was meeting up with angel_ci5, byslantedlight and rosie55 in Windsor - there was much nattering, a few drinks, a lovely Italian meal (good choice of restaurant, Rosie!) and of course... Martin Shaw in 'The Country Girl'!!!

Oh, it was so good! The whole production was brilliant, and Martin was absolutely marvellous. I don't think I've ever seen him play such a flawed character before, and he was totally convincing in the part. There were so many facets to his character, and he captured them all perfectly. To be honest, as much as I've liked Martin over the years, I didn't actually realise that he could be so good!

All of the cast were extremely good, in fact, although I'm sorry to say that the one disappointment was Jenny Seagrove. I've always liked her, and I think she seems to be a genuinely nice person, but there was just something lacking about her performance. It wasn't just the fact that she fluffed her lines a few times, it was more to do with the lack of stage presence, or charisma - that certain elusive 'something' that makes an actor grab your attention the second they make their entrance. It will be interesting to hear what others who see the play later in its run think of her. Maybe she'll settle into the role a bit more as time goes by. I hope she does.

Now I'm wondering whether there's any chance that I'll be able to catch the play again when it's on in London... *sigh*

Comments

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Lucky you! What could be better than seeing Martin—except seeing Martin with fannish friends. :-)

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

It was a great weekend, and lovely to see such a wonderful performance by Martin.

*g*

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I agree, as an actress I've never really warmed to her.

Whoops, sorry, I think that should read I've never really warmed to her, as an actress, 'cos I don't act.....

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Ooh, your other comment has disappeared so I can't reply to it properly!

But anyway... Whoops, sorry, I think that should read I've never really warmed to her, as an actress, 'cos I don't act.....

Yeah, I knew what you meant... *g*

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Sorry(!) I'm so stupid but I think I was saying that I know what you mean about Martin's acting and that it's good to see him in a different - more realistic and imperfect - kind of role, one which taxes his talents a bit more than the typical roles he's been playing for the last few years (on TV). When I saw him in a clip from The Importance of Being Earnest I was struck by how he managed to act out that part with all the subtleties which it required and still manage to project those subtleties to a huge audience.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

*sighs happily for seeing MS on stage...* He was seriously good, wasn't he?! And you know I'm with you on JS... I want to see it again now! Leeds isn't that far, right? If I just drive due north...? *g*

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Don't be greedy, you've only got to wait another week or so!

Why did they choose Leeds anyway? Why not Theatre Royal Newcastle (especially as I can still get a staff discount! *g*)?

[caffyolay.livejournal.com]

Glad you had such a brilliant time! I saw him on stage back in the 90s, in Barnstaple, and was amazed at his stage presence.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Yes, he really has got 'it' hasn't he (whatever 'it' is!).

I don't think it's something you can learn at drama school, you've either got it or you haven't - and Martin's got it in spades...

[rosie55.livejournal.com]

It was good, wasn't it. And it has to be said that the middle seats on the front row do give you a good view of the action, bg! And a chance to meet up with pros'y friends is the icing on the cake, isn't it?
And yes, I don't think I'm going to be able to resist another trip when it comes down this way. Wonder whether there are any front row seats left......

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

The seats were fantastic, couldn't have been better.

Fingers crossed that you can get just as good when you next book up (cos let's face it, we all know you're going to... *g*)

[rosie55.livejournal.com]

Hee - as if I would! Hoping to go to Bath with the two Sharons!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

It sounds absolutely wonderful. I really wanted to see him this time around. Next time, I'm hoping to be able to make it.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I hope you do make it next time. No chance of a trip to London to see it? It's on until February...

I'm just saying...

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Oh really? I didn't realise that. February, eh? Well... Since it's probably darned cold in London in January/February, maybe the plane fares will be lower. I must think on this. Thanks!

[sidhe-woman.livejournal.com]

I'm going with a friend to see Martin in CG when it hits Bath, and I'm really looking forward to it. I saw him there in A Man For All Seasons, and he was absolutely amazing! Had to be some of his best work - he totally owned the stage all the time he was on it. An incredibly powerful performance.

And on a shallow note - he looked edible!

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Oh, excellent!

As good as he was in A Man For All Seasons I'd say that this performance surpasses even that, so I'm sure you'll love it.

And on an equally shallow note - he gets down to his singlet and boxers in this one...

[probodie.livejournal.com]

If you do London, I shall be there this time. It's been PURGATORY being here whilst you've been in London *sigh*

*iz put upon* LOLLOL

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Well, I've been thinking...

It'll still be on in London when we're down in December, and there's always the half-price ticket kiosk in Leicester Square...

Worth considering?

[probodie.livejournal.com]

*bounces* Oh yes indeedy :-))))