CONFESSIONS OF A THEATRE ADDICT

Rosie Cunningham

The world premiere of the play, Brokeback Mountain, based on Annie Proulx’s short story, has opened in the West End, transferring here from the States with an award-winning American cast. If you didn’t see the film, this is a heart-breaking story about two itinerant farm workers who meet as they are hired to look after the sheep on Brokeback Mountain, Wyoming, to stop the coyotes from picking them off. Mike Faist plays Jack and Lucas Hedges, Ennis, and this is the story of their love affair, which spanned twenty years, but which could never be acknowledged and always remained hidden in the shadows. This is a very backward, isolated, conservative and poor rural community, who have been known to lynch people for minor offences, and in 1963 homosexuality was definitely a killing offence. The set is desolate, and the country and western band, with singer Eddie Reader, frontwoman of Fairground Attraction, and harmonica player extraordinaire, Greg Miller, add to the emotion of impotence and futility as their relationship gets more painful and the hopelessness of their story is played out. @sohoplace is the new theatre on Charing Cross Road owned by Nica Burns, where the audience surrounds the central stage, designed to give the most immersive experience. It is on until 12th August.

I am fascinated by Gilbert and George so took myself off to the Gilbert & George Centre in East London, to see their new exhibition, The Paradisical Pictures. Two people who identify as one artist, having met 50 years ago at St Martin’s School of Art. It took a while to get into their headspace and the work is, as always, challenging boundaries. Do watch Michael Bracewell’s interview with them on the website. The centre is only open from Friday to Sunday, but no booking is required, and it is free to enter.

The Motive and the Cue, is a new play written by Jack Thorne and directed by Sam Mendes, at the Lyttelton Studio, National Theatre. Sir John Gielgud is played by the sublime Mark Gatiss, who can do no wrong at the moment, and the multi-talented Johnny Flynn is Richard Burton. Both have observed and assumed their characters so well, that the accents and mannerisms are flawless. This is the true story of Gielgud directing Burton for a new production of Hamlet on Broadway, and it is a demonstration of the politic clash of cultures between a Shakespearean old school actor and ‘the most famous movie star in the world’, who is on honeymoon with Elizabeth Taylor. Why did Burton take on this challenging role and how does he react to exacting direction from Gielgud, who barely controls his sniping comments? The script brings out the best and the worst of two exceptional men at the height of their power as they clash and parody, part comedy and part tragedy. The agonising scene of Gielgud in his hotel room with a male prostitute, whom he hired, shows how controlled and restrictive his life as a famous person has been when he dissolves in tears and just wants to be hugged. Tuppence Middleton plays Taylor, but I would suggest, finds it hard to stamp her personality on the play. On until 15th July at The National. Do whatever you can to get a ticket. This is phenomenal. sohoplace.org gilbertandgeorgecentre.org nationaltheatre.org.uk

July brings the return of the ever-popular Sherborne Open Art Exhibition. At this time last year, together with the excitement for the organisers, Sherborne Art Club, was a little nervousness as we anticipated the first Sherborne Open since 2018. It’s easy to forget that only a year ago there still existed uncertainty regarding the pandemic. In the event, with 400 excellent works hung, record footfall, buoyant sales and generous public feedback, any fears were shown to be unfounded. The freshness and greater space of the refurbished Digby Hall also added to the feeling that this was bigger and better. Can 2023 be more vibrant and exhilarating still?

Well, the venue, planning and organisation are in place for success, but the Sherborne Open is really about people. This is a truly inclusive exhibition, open to all artists, showcasing the huge wealth of talent found in Sherborne and the surrounding areas. Selection is by independent judges, seeking quality and diversity for a winning display. The variety of subject, medium, genre and type of work - the qualities and characteristics that make for an interesting, balanced and attractive