Drunk Enough to Say I Love You - Caryl Churchill

Sam - Ty Burrell
Jack - Stephen Dillane

Directed by James Macdonald
Designed by Euguene Lee

In it's premiere run at the Royal Court Jerwood Downstairs.

On of the lovely front of house staff remarked that she thought it would probably be better viewed in retrospect and I think she may be right.

The issues discussed are all too raw and therefore every-changing to resonate right now. Incredible performances and the entire staging was delightful (including some visual gags).

I'm very glad I saw it but it did not have the impact of her other pieces for me.

Celeb in the audience : Lindsay Duncan

Scenes from the Back of Beyond by Meredish Oakes

Guy - Luke Bromley
Helen - Penny Downie
David - Daniel Lapaine
Jasmine - Samantha Losey
Robbo - Tom Sangster
Bill - Martin Turner

Directed by Ramin Gray and Designed by Jon Bausor

I think this might have been this production's UK premiere are the Jerwood Upstairs

Totally engaging........more later

The Seafarer by Conor McPhearson

Richard Harkin - Jim Norton
James 'Sharky' Harkin - Karl Johnson
Ivan Curry - Conleth Hill
Nicky Gilbin - Michael McElhatton
Mr Lockhart - Ron Cook

Directed by Conor McPherson
Designed by Rae Smith

Seen during it's first run at the Cottesloe.

Hilarious, intellegent and poignant. The performances are wonderful and the entire cast are glorious together.

A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O'Neill

Josie - Eve Best
Mike - Eugene O'Hare
Phil - Colm Meany
Jim - Kevin Spacey
Stodder - Billy Carter

Directed by Howard Davies
Designed by Bob Crowley

In the middle of it's acclaimed run at the Old Vic during the Autumn of 2006

Once again, I made the mistake of thinking that front of Dress Circle seats would be brilliant in this theatre and they are not. It's just too far away for an intimate production like this. Oddly enough, I think it might have worked better for me at the Olivier because of the nature of not being so removed from the audience.

I know I was supposed to adore this and whilst enjoying it I couldn't get past the sense of removal. I wanted to feel more of what was going on but couldn't. It was obvious from the reaction at front of stalls, there was a connection with them that most of us missed.

The performances were glorious and I can't deny that there was much to enjoy but I felt as though I'd missed the full emotional experience.

The Cryptogram by David Mamet

John - Oliver Coopersmith
Del - Douglas Henshall
Donny - Kim Cattrall

Directed by Josie Rourke
Designed by Peter McKintosh

The programme says 'first presented a the Donmar Warehouse on 12th October' but I don't know if that means it's the first time here. I suspect not.

An intense play about ..........hah! you won't catch me out like that!! A very complicated piece. I wish I'd written this as soon as I got home because we were treated to an on-stage discussion afterwards from the cast and crew. I guess to me it was about honesty versus tact, loyalty versus self preservation & liberal parently versus implied restrictive parenting.

The young boy had an enourmous task on his hand and he rose to it admirably. This is one of Mamet's more forced recitals. The dialogue is so unnatural and persistantly loaded with pointed prods. It can only be endured if the cast are exquisite and happily these were. I must admit to throwing away all my preconceptions of Ms Cattrall's shallow talents. She was wonderfully measured.