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Saturday, 11 May 2013

The Audience with Helen Mirren


I loved Helen Mirren's offstage outburst this week, it certainly added a frisson to our trip to see The Audience, last night. Not wanting to disturb the Dame, I nervously checked and double-checked my mobile phone beforehand to make sure that it was switched to silent. Mirren is fantastic as Her Maj and adeptly portrays the Queen over the decades. Accurately capturing the changes in both demeanour and voice. The outfits are fabulous too. From a 1950s nipped-in waist frock to the Queen's boxy dresses of today - and the swift costume changes are cleverly worked, with the help of courtiers. Of course. On stage, as in life, some of the prime ministers are much better than others. Harold Wilson is particularly good, as is John Major, but David Cameron is instantly forgettable. I found the scenes where the Queen chats to her younger self unconvincing and unnecessary, but (SPOILER ALERT) liked that the script has been niftily updated to include Thatcher's funeral and Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. My favourite moment comes when the real life corgis run across the stage - that and nipping out Mirren-like at the interval for a Gelupo ice cream.


Photos: Telegraph.



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11 comments:

  1. Coulda shoulda woulda11 May 2013 at 19:57

    I thought this was the best play I have seen. Helen Mirren was amazing as expected but everyone was superb. Helen Mirren has does wonders for the Queen, she has somehow made her warm and likable and I think she deserves a duchy for the PR she has down on behalf of the monarchy!

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  2. Lady of Style11 May 2013 at 20:59

    I wish I was in London these days and could see the play.
    Helen Mirren is stunning as an actress, as a woman - and in her famous red bikini!

    Annette
    Lady of Style
    now on Facebook

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  3. Pam @ over50feeling4012 May 2013 at 01:31

    So jealous, I would love to see this on stage! Looks wonderful!

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  4. Anonymous12 May 2013 at 02:42

    I loved the story about her going outside in costume and giving those drummers some "thespian language" as she described it! How could anyone not like her (and not be jealous of her figure)?

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  5. materfamilias12 May 2013 at 03:38

    Envious! And making a note that we must put London back on the travel agenda -- soon! Oh, the opportunities you have in that city!

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  6. That's Not My Age12 May 2013 at 10:25

    Coulda woulda - agree, Helen Mirren has done wonders for the Queen - though the James Bond stunt at the Olympics was pretty fab.

    Val - I loved the 'thespian language' and have to admit I felt slightly disappointed when she apologised!

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  7. mette12 May 2013 at 12:51

    Was there anything about horses?
    The Queen has a strong interest in horses..

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  8. Flattering5012 May 2013 at 22:20

    Wow! sounds like a fab night--from Mirren to ice cream. Do you think this production might come to Broadway? Fingers crossed.

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  9. Sarah12 May 2013 at 23:05

    Would love to see this. Helen M is wonderful. I would have been paranoid about my phone too ! x

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  10. The Style Crone13 May 2013 at 14:34

    As usual, love your review. The photos of Helen M are fabulous!

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  11. Lilacs13 May 2013 at 17:00

    It's like she has spiced up the Queen by proxy. Both great ladies in their roles.

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