Wild n' Crazy Norman, the namesake of "The Norman Conquests"
Uptight Sarah
The table from Table Manners
When I think of being a playwright, "Table Manners," the first of three plays in a trilogy called "The Norman Conquests" is the type of play I aspire to write. It's a simple set that's all about great writing and acting. I could never think of those elaborate sets like "The Producers" or "The Lion King." Nor could I write a straightforward drama like "Proof." I'd aim for an ideal mix of humor and poignancy. And from what I've learned there' s no better place to see this than from Britain's premiere playwright Alan Ayckbourn - at London's historic Old Vic (owned by Kevin Spacey or something like that).*
Let's rate this on a scale of 1 to 5 Tilda Swinton's because why the hell not?
FOUR TILDA SWINTON'S OUT OF FIVE.
"Table Manners"
Directed by Matthew Warchus
Written by Alan Ayckbourn
Runs to Dec. 20 / 2 hrs. 20 min (includes 15 min. interval)
--
"Table Manners'
By Matt Levin
Take three men. One timid, spineless and endearing. Another witty, playful but subdued. Then, there's the third - wild and almost uncontrollable.
Throw in three woman. All strong, female characters. But also a trio so indulged so indulged in their own lives that they barely have time to notice anything going on around them. Put them together around the dining room table, and witness family dysfunction at its finest and funniest.
Alan Ayckbourn's superb "Table Manners," the first of a trilogy of plays called "The Norman Conquests" pits the lothario Norman against his in-laws as he tries to woo his single sister-in-law, Annie, during one absurd weekend. At the same time, he's seene buttering up his brother-in-law's wife (Sarah) and coping with his own egomaniacal wife (Ruth). For the sake of competition there's also a skittish veterinarian (Tom) after Annie. And Norman's, brother-in-law Reg, is caught up in at all not sure how to react to any of it.
Matthew Warchus casts the play showing at "The Old Vic" brilliantly. Each actor embodies their characters neuroses, wit and emotions. Each cast member compliments Ayckbourn's almost-flawless script that features both profound moments and the best British humour.
In one breakfast scene, Norman carries on an obnoxious conversation with himself after Annie, Sarah and Reg have decided to give him the cold shoulder. After Norman upsets Annie and Sarah enough that they storm out of the dining room, Reg quips, "Norman, to be honest, I think you're an alright fellow. But I never want to eat breakfast with you again." On the tiny set, in the theatre-in-the-round, humor builds tension and reveals feelings. It illuminates themes about family life, relationships and just getting along.
Every item on the table is crucial to the story from napkins to a tin of cookies. Harsh lighting helps emphasize the exasperation of each character caught up in the nonstop verbal melee. The one flaw is when it ends, it still feels like there's something missing. Each play is supposed to stand on its own, but to get the whole picture of this excellently-written play it's definitely necessary to see all three parts. But part one was so damn entertaining, anyone who sees it must make time for the sequels.*
--
Foot notes
*The Old Vic is right next to the Young Vic. These theatres are not to be confused with the Old Vick and Young Vick found in America.
*Crap, I only have two weeks left. Do the "Norman Conquests" exist in America?
No comments:
Post a Comment