Attending the theatre in London… without the long-haul flight

In my limited experience, attending the theatre in London is a wonderful thing to do. Even in the production has its flaws, there’s the magic of beautifully ornate, intimate theatres redolent with history.

But it’s a long haul to London, not to say terribly expensive.

However, you can experience something of the magic with filmed versions of London stage plays being shown at a cinema near enough to you.

Early in February the Empire Cinema, an independent cinema complex, in Bowral, NSW was packed for a screening of No Man’s Land, the Harold Pinter play. We had travelled to see this performance as had some others. The performance was at Wyndham’s Theatre and starred Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.

No Man’s Land is a powerful dramatic piece and the Pinter script is beautifully realised by these two fine actors and the supporting cast of Damien Malony and Owen Teale. The play is presented by Playful Productions and filmed by Sharmill Films.

The afternoon’s film began with interviews with the actors about the rehearsal period and how they had developed the roles, and how they had worked with each other. The youngest actor was clearly awestruck by working with Stewart and McKellen.

The play itself is totally mesmerising. The only difficulty is that the camera is your eye, so at times gives you a broad sweep of the stage, at other times a closeup of an actors face. This, of course, does not happen when you are sitting in the theatre. You choose when to watch someone closely or watch the broad sweep. I often like to watch what is happening off the edge of the main action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9RA6B9FOKM

At the interval, the screen shows the theatre-goers in London, so you can gaze at people moving around the theatre and admire the theatre fittings.

After the film, which I found emotionally demanding, there was a Q and A with the director. Many people left at this stage, as I did.

Sharmill films are bringing four other plays, so far, to Australia in this form in 2017. Saint Joan from March 11, Hedda Gabler from April 1, Twelfth Night from June 3, the last two being National Theatre productions.

The full details of screenings can be found at here. You do have to get off your couch for these, but it’s a great way to catch some wonderful theatre productions.

Do you ever attend these recorded performances like Vivienne? We would love to hear from you about your experiences. Please share your comments below.

Did you know Dymocks stores have numerous play scripts you can purchase in store or online? Click here to browse their huge range online.