•
What's been on...
in 2000
October 2000
Under the Blue Sky by David Eldridge (Royal Court)
Brilliantly observed and subtle look at three teacher couples - everything
you ever wanted to know about love, sex and taking responsibility. Please
Sir, can I take the afternoon off to see the matinee?
Vincent River by Philip Ridley (Hampstead)
East End gothic meets Greek tragedy when fiftysomething Anita confronts
the teenager who claims to have found her murdered son's body. A savage
and vividly imagined experiential drama.
Navy Pier by John Corwin (Soho) Finely written American tale of
a literary theft that destroys both thief and victim. So well scripted
that it doesn't matter that all four characters do little more than lounge
in seats as if on a talk show - or confessional.
To the Green Fields Beyond by Nick Whitby (Donmar) Beautifully
crafted story of a First World War tank crew who face impending doom with
a resonant mix of apocalyptic fantasy and democratic debate.
The Boy Who Left Home by Michael Wynne (Lyric,
Hammersmith) A fairy story for adults, written with great humour and
panache by the author of The Knocky. Evocatively staged by Nick
Philippou's Actors Touring Company.
November
2000
The Force of Change by Gary Mitchell (Royal Court)
A roaring thriller that takes apart the Royal Ulster Constabulary and
casts a lurid light on divisions within the loyalist community. Edgy,
perceptive and thought-provoking.
Further Than the Furthest Thing by Zinnie Harris
(National) Written in a strange and evocative language, the gripping
story of love and homesickness based on the fate of the remote Atlantic
island of Tristan da Cunha. Colonialism, desire and despair.
Howie the Rookie by Mark O'Rowe (Bush)
A pair of sublime monologues that tell the wild and exhilarating tale
of a bizarre Dublin feud - lit up with flashes of fantasy and myth. Great
stuff.
Keepers by Michele Winstanley (Hampstead) You've all heard of the
urban jungle, well, here's a play that's set in the monkey house of a
zoo: examines the way we treat animals and limits of our humanity.
Hijra by Ash Kotak (Bush) Bollywood sunsets meet Wembley dawns
in this warmhearted feelgood play about gay love and arranged marriages
- watch those cross-dressed dancers move their hips.
December
2000
I Just Stopped By To See the Man by Stephen Jeffreys (Royal Court)
Can white men sing the blues? Big, bold play set in 1975 about a mega
rock star and the comeback of an aged blues legend. Good play, great sounds.
Far
Away by Caryl Churchill (Royal Court) Wonderfully
written vision of a future in which genocide and civil war spill over
into the animal kingdom: political theatre with added imagination.
Rita, Sue and Bob Too/A State Affair by Andrea Dunbar/Robin Soans (Soho)
Classic account of life on a Bradford council estate during the Thatcher
years in an Out of Joint double bill with a moving
2000 update from the same place. Powerful stuff.
Ancient Lights by Shelagh Stephenson (Hampstead)
Celebrity culture under the spotlight as a mega Hollywood star spends
Christmas with two English college chums. Hilarious satire.
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