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Deborah Findlay, Donmar Theatre, entertainment, Entertainment News, Hadly Fraser, London, Mark Gatiss, National Theatre, National Theatre Live, news, Rome, Shakespeare, stage, The National Theatre, Tom Hiddleston
London’s National Theatre Company broadcasted a performance of “Coriolanus” at the Donmar Theatre for the world to see at select cinemas yesterday.
The National Theatre Live allows for viewers across the world to see the performances put on by their company in London from the comfort of their local cinema.
The star studded cast, led by Tom Hiddleston (Thor, The Avengers, War Horse [film], The Hollow Crown) as the titular character and Mark Gatiss (Season’s Greetings, BBC’s Sherlock) as Menenius, positively shone under the direction of Josie Rourke.
Gattiss tweeted to thank the fans for all of their support.
Rourke, who is also the artistic director of the Donmar Theatre, gave a short interview during the intermission of the show. She explained that she chose “Coriolaunus” because it’s one of Shakespeare’s most under appreciated plays, yet its themes can easily be applied to the state of our modern day government.
“Coriolanus” tells the story of a soldier who returns home to Rome, expecting to be championed and revered for his bravery in war, only to be publicly humiliated and consequentially exiled by the people of the city.
The National Theatre summarizes the play as follows:
When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender: Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people.”
I was lucky enough to get a pair of last-minute tickets to the event and was overwhelmed by the turnout. The theatre was completely packed–most of the audience, amusingly, either between the ages of 16-30 or over 50. My guess is that it was heavily influenced by Tom Hiddleston’s massive fan base, judging by the cheers that went up the second that his face lit the screen.
The fangirls could not be calmed once this hit the screen. (I don’t blame them. I may or may not have also cheered…)
Overall, Hiddleston delivered a spectacularly touching, powerhouse performance. His ability to convey emotions was certainly striking, particularly when Coriolanus meets his rather violent demise. Gatiss also wowed the crowd with his aptly timed (and expected) facial expressions, the epitome of a Shakespeare comedic relief.
Even the “Lego Loki” twitter also got in on the action last night, with an amusing Lego version of the play!
For those who aren’t familiar with British West End stars, however, Hadley Fraser also knocked his role of Aufidius, Coriolanus’ enemy, out of the park. Fraser’s Aufidius was brutal yet compelling. Similarly, Deborah Findlay (Torchwood, Truly, Madly, Deeply) was delightfully elegant, poised, and heart-breaking as Volumina, Coriolanus’ proud mother.
Five stars to this production–it was enthralling and completely mesmerizing. A must see! I would highly recommend it to all Shakespeare fanatics and “Hiddlestoners” alike. (For my fellow Hiddlestoners: here.)