• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

King Lear at the National Theatre

April 15, 2014 by Hannah Turk Leave a Comment

Review of: King Lear
Theatre:
National Theatre
Price:
£12 - £60

Reviewed by: Hannah Turk
Rating:
4
On April 15, 2014
Last modified:March 18, 2016

Summary:

Flawless portrayal from Simon Russell Beale, a production worth witnessing

More Details

“Many a true word hath been spoken in jest”

King Lear, I believe, is one of Shakespeare’s deepest psychological tragedies, with focus on Lear’s mental instability leading to serial bloodshed. The play, as a whole, is rather long and contains heavy continuous dialogue which twists and turns in the ears. Despite this concentration of speech, the plot is relatively simple to follow and particularly within this most recent production at the National Theatre. The simplicity of set and costume meant you were never distracted with lavish fixtures or fittings. The rhythm and pace of the play was further aided with appropriately placed blasts of dramatic lighting or sound shortly after a particularly dialogue heavy scene. This was a relief as no one had to nudge any spectators that were prone to dozing off.

King_Lear

Simon Russell Beale’s performance of Lear was undoubtedly strong – the man just knows how to act. With every action I felt a purpose and with every line I sensed his emotion, or rather Lear’s. The progression and degeneration of his mental state was aptly portrayed and even from the very back of the circle I could see his hands shaking as he learnt of his daughter’s death and felt his overwhelming emotion.

The design, by Anthony Ward, reminded me of stale raindrops on paint. I felt this repeated pattern, used across the entirety of the staging, communicated a metaphor for Lear’s journey throughout the play. With his mind becoming gradually blotted with moral dilemmas; from banishing one daughter and the realization of his two others plotting to murder him, Lear fades as a man. Much like a vivid painting, Lear begins as a powerful and intimidating character, but over the course of these terrible events his power dissolves, and he is but a blotchy canvas of misshapen shapes and merging colours. In this essence, the set design continuously represents his impending state of mind and the massacre this later causes.

Tom Brooke lead a refreshing performance as Edgar, where he showed a varied emotional journey from idiot, to naked tramp and finally to savior. His mixture of comical and appropriately somber moments created poignant parts which I enjoyed in the play. I have only usually seen him in ‘common chav’ roles on television or in film, so seeing him shine in such a heavy Shakespearian production was surprising and uplifting.

Stephen Boxer played the Earl of Gloucester, who unfortunately for him has both eyes gouged out half way through. This was really a terrifying scene which I felt Sam Mendes, Director, fully portrayed the horror by standing Boxer centre stage then suddenly a burst of light into a quick black out – which stuck you with the image of a man with two bloody holes in his face and sheer panic in his stance. Stephen Boxer leads a memorable performance and journey with the unfortunate events his character endures. He has a diction that pleases the ears and although slight in figure, he maintains a real presence on stage. Although, the moment he had his eyes plucked out will haunt me for a few more nights.

In summary, this was a production with all the right people behind and on the stage. For a new theatre comer this may seem an intimidating piece, but you should never be put off by the bard. I found this production more accessible than I thought it was going to be, but you will have to make some commitment to your ass becoming a little numb, the first half is two hours long. Despite this, if you even have the slightest interest in Shakespeare, Mendes or any of the incredible actors, it’s a must see. To endure is to enrich your palette – and I must say I am happily full.

Author: Hannah TurkHello I'm Hannah, I am an aspiring producer looking to collaborate on productions in London and South East England. @hannerturk Reviews My Thoughts On....various plays from past and present that I have seen. I am no real critic, but I love theatre and believe collaborations thrive with a little constructive criticism...right?

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: King Lear, London, Musical Theatre, National Theatre, Simon Russell Beale

About Hannah Turk

Hello I'm Hannah, I am an aspiring producer looking to collaborate on productions in London and South East England.

@hannerturk

Reviews

My Thoughts On....various plays from past and present that I have seen. I am no real critic, but I love theatre and believe collaborations thrive with a little constructive criticism...right?

Join the discussion Cancel reply

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Unleash The Llama talks Five Years With The White Man

We spoke to the creators of Five Years With The White Man about the upcoming show coming to VAULT Festival [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Crowdfunding In Theatre - An Overview
  • Lily Bevan talks about Zoo
  • The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • Jane Eyre at the National Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • Hannah Turk
    Author

  • April 15th, 2014
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!