Mum and I had to see something at the Old Vic, and I've wanted to see the Duchess of Malfi, so we went on Lastminute.com and grabbed some tickets in the morning for an evening show. The theatre is lovely... I'm not used to being in a proscenium space. There was a little mixup with the tickets... we were given tickets for seats that other folks had, so we were moved closer to the stage. We were three rows back, center. I don't think tickets get better than that. We paid around 20 pounds for 50 pound tickets. :-)
I would love to point out specific parts of this show that were especially lovely, but the work of everyone melded in such a beautiful way that it will be hard for me to praise particular aspects. The set design and lighting design worked together.... it was amazing. The atmosphere changed from cathedral to prison to grand hall and back again through the lighting, showing off different aspects of the set design. Truly remarkable.
The cast was excellent. Eve Best as the Duchess had top billing, even above John Webster (the author). The story was clear, the actors creative and compelling, the music appropriate, and the choreography a perfect finish for this triple-layer cake of tragic decadence. Like any baking project, this one had all the right ingredients in the right time.
Mum loved it just as much as I did.
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