Snooker, Love Song and Rugby!

"Gravity took over." John Virgo, as wise as ever.

There's something very comforting about having the snooker on in the background. It doesn't require too much attention, but every now and then the commentators say something that makes you glance up and consider the strange world some of us live in. Also, doesn't Peter Ebdon look a bit psychotic?

I've been working like a badger for the past couple of weeks, lacking a Fortune manager. We've had cover managers helping out, doing more than their fair share of hours in the process, but some of them hadn't worked in our theatre before, so it's been plenty of extra responsibility for yours truly. In the meantime, I did an extra shift at the New Ambassadors where they're showing Love Song. So I present to you my thoughts on this new show.

First off, I like what John Kolvenbach's writing is aspiring to. And some of the time he succeeds. I'll admit to having been slightly thrown by the marketing. It's advertised as a new romantic comedy, and it just isn't. It's got plenty of funny moments, certainly, but it's also got bits of darker stuff and a fairly lengthy section of writing that seems to be trying to emulate the kind of thing that was en vogue ten years ago.

It's trying hard to say something meaningful and profound, and I like that it's reaching that way. But, unfortunately, its reach exceeds its grasp.

The direction is great, and enlivens and elucidates the drabber parts of the play, helped by a simple, elegant set design. (By the way, I want the kitchen they've got on stage there. So much room for prep.)

As for the actors, I saw Kristen Johnston's replacement, as Johnston's indisposed until, I hear, January. Her replacement was excellent, sparking off Michael McKean who was also impressive, taking a somewhat depthless character and fleshing it out while demonstrating some flawless comic timing. Cillian Murphy was unfailingly convincing, though there was no point where you couldn't see what was coming next for him. Unfortunately, Neve Campbell let the side down. There wasn't anything original for her character to say, and she clearly hadn't found anything to make up for that. As a result I was distracted by her affected pattern of speech and spent the time during her scenes waiting for the other actors to get back in there.

Anyway, that's my farthing's worth for that one. Knowing me, I probably won't get around to blogging until I get back home. So in case other things distract me before the big day, Merry Xmas everyone!

-By the way I'd be remiss if I didn't point out yesterday's result: Scarlets stun Toulouse!