I went to watch C.P.Taylor’s script-in-hand reading of Good on Sunday. Accompanied by two Stratford ladies who both originally came from Germany, we were all very moved by this brilliant reading of the award winning play. Having lived in Germany for several years I know how since the end of the horrible Nazi times the citizens have constructed one of the most decent countries in the world, the cornerstone of a peace which has lasted in Western Europe ( if not elsewhere) for the 66 years I have been alive. This has been achieved despite the physical ruin and moral degradation that the country had in 1945. Basically the people of Germany believe in peace but are aware of the 12 year or so madness in their history. And they are not complacent and that is where this wonderful play is so important .
The cast were excellent and the music superb. Tom Goodman-Hill, as Halder, was outstanding and he told us afterwards that there will be a production of the play in Manchester which sadly he won’t be able to be in-he was asked- but because of other work has had to decline. It is such a pity.
The play is all about the nature of evil; it is both intelligent and serious and shows how humane people can be drawn into terrible situations. It is a warning to us all not to be complacent about evil and we must all hope mankind will not be led into a nuclear holocaust which C.P.Taylor and many of us fear. The timing of this play could not be more perfect and what it makes me appreciate is how Mr. Taylor shared the humanitarian views of Shakespeare.
Thank you RSC for presenting this and allowing us the opportunity to be there.
The Merchant of Venice –Monday 16th May, RST.
Bravo Rupert Goold for presenting this adaptation which was inspired by John Logan. In our modern world where we need to be reminded constantly about the dangers of pigeon-holing people, this production certainly makes one think and examine hypocrisy. Clearly the brilliant Patrick Stewart had researched his role so well despite his extensive experience of playing the character.
I was very impressed, also, with Howard Charles as Gratiano (the real villain). It is a very difficult part. Susannah Fielding in her RSC debut was superb as Portia and like it or not Jamie Beamish as Launcelot(Elvis) made Shakespeare’s usually gloomy Fool help to make the play a great success. And it is still only in preview, can’t wait to see it again when they will have ironed out some technical matters.
Now if they take the play across the pond, they might have to change Vegas for Blackpool- now there is a thought. Will the Americans understand the Lancashire Fylde accent?
Congratulations RSC, the entire cast and production team.
by David Stevens
RSC Friends 
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