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Albery
Theatre, London
Sept 2001-Jan 2002
Private Lives was
delicious; I love Noel Coward anyway, but this was something else. Lindsay
Duncan (as Amanda) is good, AR was indescribably good as Elyot - he owns
the words, resisting the rather strong pull towards Cowardisms. It's a
very fresh portrayal of Elyot, with an elegant passion that is breathtaking
when let loose - AR brings the full range of the play to life, not simply
the surface brittle sophistication; he brings out the lunatic, the lover
and the poet.
The actors playing
the two minor characters - Sybil and Victor - do rather fall into the
"oh, darling, it's a Coward play darling" trap. To be fair,
I did see it early on in the run - seven performances a week may bring
them to the point of inhabiting the characters rather than just wearing
them (and, honestly, the characters themselves are unbelievably wet anyway).
The play centres on
Elyot and Amanda - who were married and divorced five years ago. They
have now both remarried and find that they are honeymooning in adjoining
suites at a hotel in Deauville, in France. Over the course of the play
they rediscover why they first fell in love, and again why they can't
tolerate each other. The ending is left cheerfully ambiguous - this play
is rather more comedy than social commentary.
The
staging is beautifully done; whoever designed the set needs major applause.
The perspectives are exaggerated, distorting the audience's view of the
world of the play in a nice echo of the characters' own distorted view of
the world. Once of the more fascinating aspects of the play - and Rickman
and Duncan's acting - is that the audience does care for, and empathise
with, a pair of characters who are remarkably selfish and somewhat amoral.
It's about the first
time I've actually seen anyone do a Noel Coward play as though it meant
something, and as though the words were natural. There is often a tendency
to do nothing but camp through Coward which AR avoids neatly. That's not
to say there aren't camp moments - both Elyot and Amanda subscribe to
the "if in doubt, strike a pose" school of conversation - but
the underlying emotions are apparent, and the play is all the more three-dimensional
for them.
The
depth and power of Rickman's performance lies in that three-dimensionality;
he manages to make Elyot human without making him a monster - some of Elyot's
words give him an edge that could be unpleasant if the words themselves
are not kept light and detached so that it is clear that he's aiming for
effect rather than speaking from a deep-seated conviction (for example:
"women need to be struck often - like gongs").
The blurring of shallow
repartee and a deeper background emotion makes the character altogether
more sympathetic than either repartee or emotion alone could accomplish.
You can believe Amanda's passion for him - other productions of this play
that I have seen have rather left me wondering why she would bother
to run off with him again; wit and sparkling conversation can become profoundly
dull after a short while, and are certainly not likely to inspire a deep
and immediate desire to break marriage vows and head off to Paris - no
matter how shallow Amanda herself may be. The passion makes the tense
dance - of words and action - between the characters rather more believable,
particularly the fight at the end of the second act.
The
fight scene between Elyot and Amanda
in this production is worth the price of admission alone - choreagraphed
and executed with a glorious flair and lunacy, but avoiding a descent into
farce. It maintains and extends Elyot and Amanda's bickering as a metaphor
for sex; you could call it the climax of the play if you wanted to go for
a cheap gag (which, of course I don't ... <grin>). It also provides
a wonderful counterpoint to the brittle sophistication of much of the exchanges
between Elyot and Amanda up until then, bringing out the underlying heat.
These photographs
are taken from the programme for the play - and were taken by Ivan Kyncl
during rehearsal.
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own review of this film
Reviews:
Name: Christy
E-mail: lilbluinsomniac@yahoo.com
Review:
oh, ok. maybe plonker h20 is a turd in a toilet?
you're really clever..
Name: Christy
Review:
Ok, I know these are a lot of reviews but oh well. So what does PLONKER H20 supposed to mean anyway? Are you calling me a water plonker or something? I'm confused..
Name: Christy
Review:
I bet the last 'web mailer' and the Rickman imposter are the same person!
Name: Christy
Review:
...Which I find rather odd, since he once was a hardcore graphic designer.
Name: Christy
Review:
I don't think Alan has a computer...the REAL ONE said so.
Name: Christy
E-mail: pzsdbythavoic3@yahoo.com
Review:
Thank you for defending me against A. Rickman, all who did! I thought it was rather harsh..but I'm okay! But I did think that branding name was sort of funny. SORT of! lol. So what about Al Pacino and fleeing the country? It sounds fabulous!
Name: SarahAlex
Review:
If you like Alan, give him a vote: http://www.hellomagazine.com/vote/grand_finale2005/hombreatractivo.html?pantalla=hombreatractivo
;-)
Name: The minority of people
Review:
I think I can safely say on behalf of the minority of people that we agree on the Majority of people, that speech you gave was exhillarating.i do hope maybe someday that all message bords will be safe from imposters like Amy.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
ps: i do hope Christy is OK that A.Rickman was really rather harsh on her. i wonder if Alan does ever look on the site
Name: the majority of people
Review:
i dont like the way you talk missy,if that is what you are, nobody wants to hear what you think and you can stick your ratings up my B*M, now i dont like using that kind of language but desperate times call for esperate measures.I think i can say on behalf of the nation that we do not like the snobbery invovled in high maitenance message bords, all we want is a place for love, happiness and good old fashioned immatureness.GOD BLESS AMERICA
Name: Amy
Review:
im going to try and get this website back to a message bord review:i thought Alan did a magnificent performance and the play itself is beutifully written. I think Alan deserves a better rating than 8 in the actors rating index after this performance
Name: Andy
Review:
I do like to be beside the sea side
Name: Jamie
Review:
is it just me or is there something freaky deaky doin on?i think its kinda geeky how its gettin freeky, im needin a leaky so ill catch ya weeky
(weeky=in a week)
Name: pawn broker H2
Review:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!not an impsoter taking the micheal!!!!this is dreadful!what is our world coming to?!2 men alone canot win this battle, i can help
Name: Hag CO2
Review:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!not PLONKER H2O!! that is just too far,thats the most pplonkerish you can get,thats like a bilaw to swearing!christy!listen to me, u must flee the country b4 its too late, we must meet and discuss the arrangements,its just as well i got here in time. u need help...and fast.this will be tough,but there is a chance we can make it. maybe al pachino can "take care" of alan.there is no other way-i can help but think there is a scam in the A Rickman,i beleive it is some 1 taking the micheal
Name: A. Rickman
Review:
Christy u idiot!that was not me posting a review,i cant beleive u think i would be so shallow as to check my reviews and bask in the glory of peoples adoration...i beleive i have no option but to brand you as:PLONKER H2O
Name: christy
Review:
ummmk, it's kinda funny how all the reviews are to alan and not reviews. totally understandable. us rickmaniacs don't let possible communication slip away. loving alan so much makes me wanna say something more than im your biggest fan..so i offer something else. remember when you said every actor should have a t-shirt saying 'believe it or not, im doing my best.'to wear in rehearsal. well when i get around to some cash i will send you one! because that is a v cool idea. Lovexoxo.Christy
Name: Christy
Review:
There's a splendid example right here on this page why I like Alan so much. See the way he handled the heat? Why can't everybody put their foot down like that...also, I wish I could review the movie, but I've never seen it. All I can tell is that it was smoothly-pieced in all of it's turmoil. You can't really sympathize with Elyot, and his beastly personality. But Cheers to the actor! xoxo Christy
age:16
Name: christy
E-mail: fruitloop37@stopdropandroll.com
Review:
Was that seriously Alan posting? I think I just had a coniption...well I'm not going to be one to get in trouble profanity but, oh geez, hottest man i've EVER seen. I sent you a letter too. *giggles*. I LOVE YOU!!! regarding the fights i just read over, I will never care about losing again. haha. Yours Truly babe, christy
Name: maniac
E-mail: snape@citromail.hu
Review:
does anyone know if this play have been recorded and can be purchased i adore it i'd watch it every day
Name: web mailer
Review:
Name: es spaniol
Review:
Name: web mailer
Review:
Name: Jobbie
Review:
OMG!im like really worried.is their anything we can do to prevent this?
Name: web mailer
Review:
In regards to recent reviews,my sources reveal that this oppertunity for fans is being taken for granted.With recent conformation with Mr A Rickman, it has been finalised that we will be prosecuting the relevent reviewees for indecent language on an open web page.We realise that false email addresses have been constructed,but with new updated technology we can now track down these people and prosecute by their portable or home computer systems.So far we have tracked down:Jobbie,Jennifer and Ruby.We will issue formal warnings.
Name: Alan Rickman
Review:
Ladies, this has gone too far. Bob, look at the trouble you have caused. I will be at the clock then to check the fight is not too violent. But all i can say is let the best lady win, and ill take the loser home with me. Goodnight ladies Yours, Alan Xxx
Name: Ruby
Review:
you're on. see ya then. hahahaha
Name: Joobie Lover
Review:
Ruby, I feel that you and i need to have a "litte chat" to discuss our differences. how bout we meet at big ben on christmas eve at 2200 hours. Dont forget sword, cos im ready to fight for bob. So long sucker!!!
Name: BOB
Review:
ladies (i hope) i am truely flattered, jennifer, u are 1 hot piece of ass, i have to admit that i am fat and ugly, but like a good wine, things get better with age...oh yeah alan!!!! u know i like the older man!! XxX
Name: Ruby
Review:
Joobie Lover! Hit the highway cos you're goin too slow! honestly...stay away from bob - he's so mine. yum. i love him with all my heart, unlike yours, which is divided. how tragic. hahaha. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BOB!
Name: Alan Rickman
Review:
Ladies, i am exeptionally flattered by your kind words regarding me and my, may i say buff, body. And dont worry jobbie lover, rubys critisism of me does not offend me. In fact i feel myself that Colin Firth is one HOT PIECE OF ASS!!! Yours, Alan Xxx
Name: Joobie Lover
E-mail: jobbieluvr@hotmail.com
Review:
Ruby?? wot the hell u talkin bout?!? how dare u even think bout another man? people like u who make me sick. My whole heart goes to alan(exept the half that luvs jobbies)
ps.hi BOB
Name: Ruby
Review:
Alan Rickman? Eugh, but o.m.g, watch Love Actually and see one yummish ass -COLIN FIRTH! I could just put ice-cream on him and then eat it off him...with hot fudge...and some milk chocolate...and marshmallows...dear god, stop me - I'm drooling now, hahahaha. yo bob, hey jobbie n jennifer, luv yas all xxxx
Name: Joobie Lover
E-mail: jobbieluvr@hotmail.com
Review:
Jobbie, i can see just by reading your increadibly touching words that we are meant to be together. I really love alan. I want to eat him. BOB, you seem like a great guy but i think we should not elop and get married like you suggested. My heart belongs to Alan. Thank you for your generous undertanding. I now must go and relieve myself.
Name: Tamarillo
Review:
FOXY TIT ROCKS I WANT HIM.NOW....NOT LATER NOW.I MEAN IT.I GUESS I AINT GONNA GET HIM. HE IS ONE FINE PEICE OF ASS.so is Alan.Hey BOB
Name: Jobbie
E-mail: poo@hotmail.com
Review:
My parents didnt actually name me this.i have a name,and a friend.I dont want to be greedy and have more than one friend.I like the colour green.Alan looks FIINE in Green.He also looks good in an insy winsy teeny weeny yellow poca dot biKine.I would imagine.can anyone back me up on that one?
Hey BOB
Name: Jobbie
Review:
OH MY GOD you are like soooo right, i think that we should dance around the Chrismas tree naked.how about wendsday?mind blank on spelling.SORRY.hey BOB how are you? I shall have words with young Will about his problems.hes a randy wee bugger.Has anyone on this site actually seen this film?yes BOB,this is actually a review thing, not an orgy.sorry to dissapoint you.maybe some other time.My typing is getting well quiker.i love DOGMA it is immense.Jay & Silent BOB well rock.that is wen i first layed eyes on Alan.iv got his number.i havent really but it would be cool if i did. iv seen this film, it is really good and i think you should all go watch it(the film) so that Alan gets an OSCAR.Al piccino rocks.My mum likes him.he is really cool in the GODFATHER.i wonder if anyone will ever read this.im going for a jaccuzzi now, tarra.Hey BOB.see ya Bob.
if youve read this,your an inspiration to all of us.if not,you should.
reading over it it doesnt make much sense.
i have a friend.
stick THAT in your pipe and smoke it.
(wuv oo BOB/Jennifer)
Name: BOB
E-mail: jimenycricket@aol.com
Review:
i agree with jobbie, William fox pitt is hot, so is jennifer!
Name: Jobbie
E-mail: poo@hotmail.com
Review:
Sorry bout the recent insedents, my computa screwed up.Alan rickman is old and may have a wrinkley Bum.Not my kinda guy.William Fox Pitt, YEAH BABY.(this is not a theses(sorry))IF U DONT NO HOO WILLIAM IS,SEARCH HIM!!!!hes a dude.I spelt my horses name wrong, its Cally not Calley.Hi Blue and Dillion,that reminds me,Ernest Dillion is also a dude, LOOK HIM UP.I also have 2 other horses, but mentioning their names could lead to my identity being shown.HI JENNIFER & BOB.
Name: Jobbie
Review:
Name: Jobbie
E-mail: poo@hotmail.com
Review:
I have a horse called Calley,with regards to the Dreamin gal 19 reviews down.
Hi JENNIFER & BOB
Name: jennifer
E-mail: mcrobbiena@aol.com
Review:
i am deeply in love with alan rickman, he is on FIRE!!! (not literally!) i want him, so does my friend bob. WE love you ALAN!!!
Name: Sam Snape
E-mail: joananges@tiscali.co.uk
Review:
I love Alan Rickman so much, I just want him to be my daddy, I need a new one any way. Hi Alan, did you c my pals review?? She's head ova heels 4 u. Shes a 5"3" sexy 14 yr old!!! c ya.
Name: hermione granger
E-mail: hermionegranger2012@msn.com
Review:
OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!!!! ALAN RICKMAN IS SOOOOOOOOOO HUNKY. what i would do do hear his voice next to me every night. his wife is one lucky gal!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Sam Snape
E-mail: hermionegranger2012@msn.com
Review:
Cool, Alan Rickman is gorge. go 4th yr
@ paisley grammar.(except laura kent)
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
To bad Al Paccino won the Emmy award,......however, he's a great actor to ofcourse.
Name: lunatico
Review:
hello i´m are to andalucia i dont´t speak good english for i´like alan rickman pienso que is a genial person and like your films
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
What went wrong with all those messages from me. I am sorry it placed so often. (shame). And for the girls who are in love with Alan Rickman, just enjoy the feeling, but don't forget to life. I think there's nothing wrong with it unless your going to stalk the man.
Gemma
Name: 2r;$i0npits
Review:
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
well, excuse me Laetitia, my intens is not to marry him. I only want to express the feeling of him as an actor, and me, as a writer, I ofcourse want some of my books be filmed. And if I can choose an actor I would vote for Alan Rickman for some of my personages. He's naturale and great. What not everyone can do. If I have a story in my head and I write it on paper, the book I am now working on and set on to a film script, that person would get my sacrifice if it is playing by Alan Rickman. Not to much of that sentimental stuff, but taken out of life. I believe that he can bring that characteur to live the way I want to see it.He made Per example Harry Potter so realistic, that you can believe, if you want to, that even that film, the personages are real. That is for me a sign that someone is gifted by his way of working, and that gets my respect. So by these words I want to say, women can also appreciate him for his way he do his work.
with friendly regars,
Gemma
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
well, excuse me Laetitia, my intens is not to marry him. I only want to express the feeling of him as an actor, and me, as a writer, I ofcourse want some of my books be filmed. And if I can choose an actor I would vote for Alan Rickman for some of my personages. He's naturale and great. What not everyone can do. If I have a story in my head and I write it on paper, the book I am now working on and set on to a film script, that person would get my sacrifice if it is playing by Alan Rickman. Not to much of that sentimental stuff, but taken out of life. I believe that he can bring that characteur to live the way I want to see it.He made Per example Harry Potter so realistic, that you can believe, if you want to, that even that film, the personages are real. That is for me a sign that someone is gifted by his way of working, and that gets my respect. So by these words I want to say, women can also appreciate him for his way he do his work.
with friendly regars,
Gemma
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
well, excuse me Laetitia, my intens is not to marry him. I only want to express the feeling of him as an actor, and me, as a writer, I ofcourse want some of my books be filmed. And if I can choose an actor I would vote for Alan Rickman for some of my personages. He's naturale and great. What not everyone can do. If I have a story in my head and I write it on paper, the book I am now working on and set on to a film script, that person would get my sacrifice if it is playing by Alan Rickman. Not to much of that sentimental stuff, but taken out of life. I believe that he can bring that characteur to live the way I want to see it.He made Per example Harry Potter so realistic, that you can believe, if you want to, that even that film, the personages are real. That is for me a sign that someone is gifted by his way of working, and that gets my respect. So by these words I want to say, women can also appreciate him for his way he do his work.
with friendly regars,
Gemma
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
well, excuse me Laetitia, my intens is not to marry him. I only want to express the feeling of him as an actor, and me, as a writer, I ofcourse want some of my books be filmed. And if I can choose an actor I would vote for Alan Rickman for some of my personages. He's naturale and great. What not everyone can do. If I have a story in my head and I write it on paper, the book I am now working on and set on to a film script, that person would get my sacrifice if it is playing by Alan Rickman. Not to much of that sentimental stuff, but taken out of life. I believe that he can bring that characteur to live the way I want to see it.He made Per example Harry Potter so realistic, that you can believe, if you want to, that even that film, the personages are real. That is for me a sign that someone is gifted by his way of working, and that gets my respect. So by these words I want to say, women can also appreciate him for his way he do his work.
with friendly regars,
Gemma
Name: Gemma
Review:
Name: Laetitia Rose
Review:
OK, I agree: Alan Rickman is THE hottest actor I've ever seen. And he acts great, too. But, girls, let's get real. It's nice to think that any of us could, let's say, marry him, but our rich imagination is just a twitch away from insanity. What are the chances that a young girl would marry him ? EVEN though you are smart and beautiful, you must really know what you're doing in order to get him.
Name: gemma fitz
E-mail: scaaat@aol.com
Review:
Alan rickman takes my breath away. His eyes are a bolt of lightening and his voice...............WELL!!!!!!!!!
Name: Artemisia
E-mail: fede89pip1@virgilio.it
Review:
Thanks to his S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R performance in Harry Potter 1,2,3 i have known his skills.In "Dogma" he plays good, in "Love Actually" he is divine.Alan,please come and visit ITALY!!!
Name: alyssa brickman
Review:
Alan you have won a place in my heart.It all fits after having a dream about you I've bought a movie that i love called DOGMA.Our lasts namea are almost the same, and it would great just to meet you.You hear this line all the time "i'm your biggest fan ".So i'm doing this a little diffrently w/ saying that i'm a kind and big hearted fan. LOVE YOU BUNCHES AND WILL NEVER STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU,MS.BRICKMAN.
Name: Corinna Gampe-Zöllner
E-mail: Corinna.Gampe-Zoellner@t-online.de
Review:
Alan, I`m too lost in you. Your eyes, your voice, your mouth. I can`t think but I`m thinking about thinks you do (we do...). Love you!
Name: Cally Shand
E-mail: xxcazxx@supanet.com
Review:
What's this all about!!?? Who's site is this, some says alans some says some "judy" or something!
cally
Name: Gemma
E-mail: pronto89b@hotmail.com
Review:
I am impressed by his way of acting and his way of being. Your intelect ispires me to write a new book what I am doing right now. And if the book ever may be a film,.....I hope there's money enough to have you as the capital figure.
with the most friendly regards,
Gemma
Name: Natalia Layzell
E-mail: www.layzellgban@tiscali.co.uk
Review:
I love Alan Rickman. He's a great actor and so good looking. I love everything about him my dream is to see him and at least get a hug and a peck on the cheek. But i'd love to marry him. He's sooo gorgeus. Alan Rickman I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!! It does not matter how old you are. You are the first person i have ever loved. Love
Natalia
xxxxxxxxxxx
Name: Mrs. Alan Rickman
E-mail: ash60988@aol.com
Review:
Hi im 16 and i love alan rickman he is the most hottest, sexeist, actors in the world i loved him ever since i saw him in the first harry potter film. He is in my mind,body,and soul he is the one that i think before i go to sleep every night, as i lay in my all night i have fantasies about meeting alan rickman and falling in love and getting married. So alan if you are out there hope that you read this and you write me back soon....bye. I LOVE YOU ALAN FOREVER AND ALWAYS IN MY HEART.
Name: punch
E-mail: ppunch_24@yahoo.com
Review:
Name: Rickman FanClub
E-mail: the-potions-master@gmx.de
Review:
I Love Alan, he is sooo great in Harry Potter and Love Actually !!!
*wave*
An very grwat fan from germany
Name: Lana Radovanovic
E-mail: ladyoftherings116@yahoo.com
Review:
I thought that the movie was very good, and that the acting was awsome. My special compliments to Mr. Rickman, because he was so good in his role, I didn't even for a moment think it was you! Really, you are such a good actor!
My compliments also go to the rest of the crew, because it was a smashing movie!
Name: two Alan lovers
E-mail: alanlove@alanlove.com
Review:
we love you alan!! will you marry us?? you are so cute and sexy and hot and soooooo handsome!! pusi pusi!!
with love, your wifes
Name: two Alan lovers
E-mail: alanlove@alanlove.com
Review:
we love you alan!! will you marry us?? you are so cute and sexy and hot and soooooo handsome!! pusi pusi!!
noooo! mitä tää ny on???? from love, your wifes
Name: katie
E-mail: katiethorsen@cox.net
Review:
i love you alan feel free to write me anytime
Name: alan rickman fan
Review:
I think he is very good in Blow Dry' Harry Potter, and also in Love Actually. He's voice is very suductive i think. It's just ashame he's 58 though [HE'S STILL GORGIOUS THOUGH] I cant wait to see him in any other films.KEEP IT UP ALAN FROM KAYLEIGH TYRER
Name: kayleigh
Review:
alan rickman is absulutly fit in harry potter and in blow dry and love actualy
Name: Kelly Rickman Snape
E-mail: kelly_rickman_snape@yahoo.com.br
Review:
I LOVE ALAN RICKMAN !
EU AMO ESSE HOMEM DE TODAS AS FORMAS QUE SE PODE AMAR UM ! QUERO SABER ONDE ESTÁ PASSANDO A PEÇA PARA PODER ASSISITIR..ATUALMENTE ESTÁ NOS ESTADOS UNIDOS ! MAS ONDE POSSO COMPRAR OS INGRESSOS ONLINE ? QUERO VER ESSE HOMEM DA PRIMEIRA FILAAAAA !
EU AMOOO ALAN RICKMAN MAIS DO QUE QUALQUER MULHER !
KELLY ALMOS RICKMAN
Name: nicole stocks
Review:
i think that alan rickman is very sexy in this movie an i love him as much as i can say!!!!!!!
Name: Tahlia Elcome
Review:
Hey Alan, if you ever get this message, i just want you to know how i feel about you. for 3 years i have known and you have become a part of my mind, soul and body. it's not just a high school crush but much more. i'm 16 and i live in south africa and no we don't have lions running around in our backyards. I am a first year drama student and i am an artist. but if you ever get this, don't hesitate to contact me because i will never let you go. happy birthday and i will keep you in my mind and thoughts. you are in all my dreams. I know you get messages like this all the time but i have been haunted by you for the past 3 years and i won't give up now.
Name: wolfgirl
Review:
I think Alan is very talented person. I think he the most coolest actor out there. I'm only 13, but i really mean what I said. Please read this so you know that you have another fan out there.
Name: Tommy from German
Review:
Alan I love you! My brother wanted to give me a new car. very expensive. And then i realized something. do you want to know what it was that I realized
I realized that I'm more excited to see you in "LOVE actually". I just can't get you out of my mind.
LOVE Tommy
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