• 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

Summer and Smoke at the Almeida Theatre

March 7, 2018 by Maggie Kelly Leave a Comment

Review of: Summer and Smoke

Reviewed by: Maggie Kelly
Rating:
4
On March 7, 2018
Last modified:March 7, 2018

Summary:

Fascinating Tenessee Williams interpretation with true star power at its core

More Details

Rebecca Frecknall’s version of Tenessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke is so nearly a glory to behold. A strange, wandering piece about lost love, childhood fantasies and two people’s fight to find themselves in a confusing world of casinos and churches, Frecknall moves her characters around the stage with the lightest of touch. Boxed in by nine upright pianos and nine (often less-than-upright) chairs, the staging is totally and utterly focussed around the personalities of those onstage, without anything to distract. There’s a whiff of the acclaimed 2014 View From A Bridge about the production – whittled down to the bare bones, tightened around Williams’ language and the complexity of the character relationships without having to worry about naturalism or scenery to tell the story.

Patsy Ferran is utterly glorious as the anxiety-ridden Alma, twitching and laughing along to societal rules, tripping around the stage, never too close to anyone but also seeming unwilling to stray away. The scenes between her and Matthew Needham are a masterclass in tension; these two could talk at each other for hours on end, day by day, and I’d be there watching to the end. They tell so much in one small movement, one breath, feeding off each other in some of the most wonderful collaborative acting I’ve ever seen on such a stage. Backing up with intense multi-casting (with often only a prop or a hair tie to distinguish) are Anjana Vasan, Tok Stephen, Forbes Masson, Nancy Crane, Erci Maclennan and Seb Carrington. What A Cast.

Frecknall’s direction is ingenious, tight and utterly, utterly gorgeous, intertwining with Tom Scutt’s design in a melodious, twisting way that hints at more great things to come. However, there are some issues around linking moments, specifically moments when time passes and people change. The way this Summer and Smoke is constructed (choices in costumes, set and movement) means the characters do not exist outside the stage. They are hemmed in by pianos, sound effects, stylistic choices that construct an entirely onstage world that doesn’t necessarily reach past the wings. And when having to signify time changes, personality changes, belief changes, there is not enough time for the audience to catch up with logistics and with what has happened in the pauses in between the scenes. Not signifying any of this passage of time is a brave move, absolutely – never doubt the intelligence of your audience – but one that ultimately obstruct Frecknall’s otherwise godly storytelling power.

Author: Maggie Kelly

Filed Under: Featured, Review Tagged With: Almeida Theater, Summer and Smoke

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Davinia Hamilton on Blanket Ban

Following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theatre makers and activists Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella bring their rallying [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

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]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Hang at The Royal Court
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Breach Theatre
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Ben Lloyd-Hughes in Kiss Me
  • Katy Owen: How to Apply to Drama Schools*
  • Maggie Kelly
    Author

  • March 7th, 2018
  • 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!