Last 10 things seen at the theatre: #136

3rd to 21st March.

List the last 10 things you saw at the theatre in order:

1. A Midsummer Night's Dream (Tobacco Factory)

2. Anna X (Vault Festival)

3. The Church of the Sturdy Virgin (Vault Festival)

4. Eden (Hampstead Downstairs)
5. Shipwreck (Almeida)

6. Medea (Barbican)

7. Berberian Sound Studio (Donmar Warehouse)

8. Company (Gielgud)

9. Ian McKellen on Stage (Lyric Hammersmith)

10. The Son (Kiln Theatre)

Who was the best performer in number one (A Midsummer Night's Dream)?

You know when you're not sure if you want to see a particular production but then they cast someone in it you really like but then when you get there they're not even on? It's hard not to take it personally, but Euan Shanahan was a truly worthy replacement and paired beautifully with Joseph Tweedale.

Why did you go to see number two (Anna X)?

I, like most people, am absolutely fascinated by the Anna Delvey case, but let's be real, I booked this because Joshua James was in it.

Can you remember a line/lyric from number three (The Church of the Sturdy Virgin) that you liked?

It wasn't really script-based, as it was an immersive piece that was very very shaped by the audience interactions, so no. But I did enjoy realising that I respond to pretend funerals the exact way I respond to real funerals - immediately grab the hymn sheet to see what I'm dealing with, realise I already know all the music, chuck in a few harmonies, and although I don't necessarily want to do a reading I will if everyone else needs me to. Also I think all immersive theatre should involve an opportunity for the audience to give a eulogy, I'm definitely better at it now than I was first time it cropped up.

What would you give number four (Eden) out of ten?

I already had a 6 here from a previous answer and I don't have the energy to change it, which should tell you all you need to know about this play.

Was there someone hot in number five (Shipwreck)?

Elliot Cowan is a hot man who was in Shipwreck, but also I don't want to think about his attractiveness levels in the context of Shipwreck?

What was number six (Medea) about?

It wasn't quite about Medea but it was pretty great.

Who was your favourite actor in number seven (Berberian Sound Studio)?

Well obviously Tom Brooke, he is a treasure.

What was your favourite bit in number eight (Company)?

I liked the bit immediately before 'Barcelona' where Andy hopped out of bed and at least 60% of the audience audibly drew breath. (I assume the other 40% simply passed out in their seats.)

Would you see number nine (Ian McKellen on Stage) again?

It was a joy and a privilege to see it just the once.

What was the worst thing about number ten (The Son)?

Either the weirdly stilted dialogue, or the fact that the entire play wasn't just John Light dad-dancing to 'Happy'.

Which was best?

Company.

Which was worst?

Did any make you cry?

Nope, not this time.

Did any make you laugh?

I laughed a lot at A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Church of the Sturdy Virgin.

Which roles would you like to play in any of them?

Big news for any weirdos who read my blog without actually following my Twitter account - I've finally tricked a local amdram director into letting me play Helena, and I'm excited as hell but also terrified because I've wanted to do so for years, so that's a thing that's happening right now.

Which one did you have best seats for?

I bought a box for Company and it was a proper bargain and had LOADS of space for me to scatter my belongings around. A++, would sit again.