The National Theatre - Live from London

One of the best things I have discovered in the last year is the fantastic opportunity to watch live at the cinema here in Canada, broadcasts live from London, productions put on at the National Theatre on the Southbank.  The latest, I saw last week, Jamie Lloyd's production of "She Stoops to Conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith.  This play was written in 1773 and is a very clever comedy of errors.  I am amazed, and shocked that each time I have been to see one of these productions (viewing at the Burl Oak cinema in Oakville) that they play to a very skimpy audience.  I have heard that they are better attended in Toronto, but this completely baffles me.  Why are people not running and falling over themselves to go and see these shows?  This particular play starred the amazing Sophie Thompson as Mrs Hardcastle, who was hilarious.  She is probably best known for her role in "4 weddings and a funeral" some years ago now.  Also, of note was Katherine Kelly, who Coronation Street fans will know for her role as Becky.  She is in fact a RADA trained actress and she really struts her stuff in this production.  As far as I can remember this is the only Oliver Goldsmith play I have ever seen, but I do hope I get to see more.  Reading up on him he sounds like he was a very likeable character, a bit of a goof I guess.  Apparently, he planned to emigrate from England, but ended up not doing so because he missed his boat.  Also, I found out that until 1962 there was an underground train named for him that ran on the Metropolitan line.  If you should happen upon my little blog, please, please watch out for these productions and treat yourself at the next opportunity to one of these shows.  In the fall there will be a new series of live productions to see and over the summer there are encore screenings of some of this past seasons plays.  GO and Enjoy!!!!