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Squeezing in another of these before my end of year final post.
Got through another 8 books since the last update.
Of the newly finished books, Katabasis was a lot of fun, with a dark journey into the Underworld, but not as good as RF Kuang's superb Babel or even Yellowface for me. Carmilla was a book club read, and frankly disappointing, and a struggle to read. Though Hammer made a good stab at filming a better version in the early 1970s. Mr Villain's Day Off was a chance find in Angus libraries catalogue, so borrowed that way. Fun manga, but I wasn't inspired to read other volumes. Born With Teeth, the Marlowe/Shakespeare play performed recently on stage by Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel, was a brilliant read, though it would be better to see it performed in person. Yes, I did my usual Roger Zelazny pre-Halloween reread of A Night in the Lonesome October. Still love it. T. Kingfisher's A Wizard's Guide to Contemporary Baking was fun, but a bit unevenly paced, and younger than I'd usually read. It also took too long to get to dangerous fighting gingerbread men. Doctor Who Tales of Terror is a fun spooky anthology collection, with short stories by multiple authors for each of Doctors 1-12. A bit uneven, but overall fun. Wheel of Time book 10 was the slog that I expected, though still fun in many parts. But I needed a very specific approach to reading to get through it successfully. But things should be better again in the remaining books. Book 10 is generally regarded by readers of the whole series as the worst by a long way.
Got through another 8 books since the last update.
- ( earlier books )
- Katabasis by RF Kuang
- Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
- Mr Villain's Day Off volume 1 (manga) by Yuu Morikawa
- Born With Teeth (play script) by Liz Duffy Adams
- A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny
- A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
- Doctor Who Tales of Terror (short story anthology)
- Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time book 10) by Robert Jordan
Of the newly finished books, Katabasis was a lot of fun, with a dark journey into the Underworld, but not as good as RF Kuang's superb Babel or even Yellowface for me. Carmilla was a book club read, and frankly disappointing, and a struggle to read. Though Hammer made a good stab at filming a better version in the early 1970s. Mr Villain's Day Off was a chance find in Angus libraries catalogue, so borrowed that way. Fun manga, but I wasn't inspired to read other volumes. Born With Teeth, the Marlowe/Shakespeare play performed recently on stage by Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel, was a brilliant read, though it would be better to see it performed in person. Yes, I did my usual Roger Zelazny pre-Halloween reread of A Night in the Lonesome October. Still love it. T. Kingfisher's A Wizard's Guide to Contemporary Baking was fun, but a bit unevenly paced, and younger than I'd usually read. It also took too long to get to dangerous fighting gingerbread men. Doctor Who Tales of Terror is a fun spooky anthology collection, with short stories by multiple authors for each of Doctors 1-12. A bit uneven, but overall fun. Wheel of Time book 10 was the slog that I expected, though still fun in many parts. But I needed a very specific approach to reading to get through it successfully. But things should be better again in the remaining books. Book 10 is generally regarded by readers of the whole series as the worst by a long way.
Prunella Scales
Oct. 28th, 2025 11:44 amVery sad to hear that Prunella Scales has died. A wonderful actress, but most of all Martin and I enjoyed her charming canal trip programmes with husband Timothy West. I'm downloading (on demand in the UK) some of her past canal trips to rewatch, including the Leeds & Liverpool canal and Venice.
Bernice Summerfield: The Wake
Oct. 19th, 2025 11:08 amOnto the last story in the 8th season of Benny audios from Big Finish. Going to discuss this with big spoilers for this story and the previous but one story as well.
( spoilers )
( spoilers )
Sharing this for fellow Doctor Who, Discovery of Witches, or Born With Teeth play fans. Or anyone keen on literary history or who likes historical objects or the sixteenth century.
Bernice Summerfield: The End of the World
Sep. 17th, 2025 06:21 amFinally got to this major story, and going to discuss with full spoilers. So beware if you go in. ( spoilers )
Continuing our latest Babylon 5 rewatch, and we’re up to S2E20 "The Long, Twilight Struggle". And it’s peak Shakespearean tragedy.
The only downside for me in this otherwise superb episode is the poor overacting by the recast Draal actor. Which is a big problem for me. But the rest of the episode is stunning.
The only downside for me in this otherwise superb episode is the poor overacting by the recast Draal actor. Which is a big problem for me. But the rest of the episode is stunning.
Continuing my listen, and another enjoyable instalment in this Big Finish series.
This was a tightly written drama, set in the middle of a war, across multiple locations. Though on the downside I was a little puzzled at times in the audio format determining which side of the fighting I was listening to.
There are some nice narrative experiments here, some really nice touches that let Lisa Bowerman shine as ever as Benny. And a storyline that kept me gripped. Though I was a bit confused later on re what had just happened. And also frankly rather surprised when the story finished inside an hour. I'm used to overly loose Benny audios.
And bonus points from me for the "I couldn't possibly comment!" from Miles Richardson.
This was a tightly written drama, set in the middle of a war, across multiple locations. Though on the downside I was a little puzzled at times in the audio format determining which side of the fighting I was listening to.
There are some nice narrative experiments here, some really nice touches that let Lisa Bowerman shine as ever as Benny. And a storyline that kept me gripped. Though I was a bit confused later on re what had just happened. And also frankly rather surprised when the story finished inside an hour. I'm used to overly loose Benny audios.
And bonus points from me for the "I couldn't possibly comment!" from Miles Richardson.
Babylon 5 and Covid
Aug. 24th, 2025 07:50 pmWe have just got to S2E18 "Confessions and Lamentations" in our latest Babylon 5 rewatch. This episode absolutely devastated me on original first watch back in 1995. And it’s just as powerful now, with the added experience of having lived through the Covid pandemic adding extra poignancy.
Importantly this episode also moves on the Sheridan/Delenn relationship. And it’s really nice to see recurring guest star Jim Norton back in another role. He’s always phenomenally good value.
And what stunning episodes we have coming. We are still managing an episode a week, on Sunday nights.
Importantly this episode also moves on the Sheridan/Delenn relationship. And it’s really nice to see recurring guest star Jim Norton back in another role. He’s always phenomenally good value.
And what stunning episodes we have coming. We are still managing an episode a week, on Sunday nights.
Bernice Summerfield: The Judas Gift
Aug. 14th, 2025 09:24 pmOnto another in this pivotal season of Big Finish's Bernice Summerfield audios spun out from 1990s Doctor Who novels, and it's definitely into spoiler space for this one.
( spoilers )
( spoilers )
Bernice Summerfield: Timeless Passages
Apr. 22nd, 2025 04:45 amOnto another one, and this is a relisten for me. As I wrote on Gallifrey Base back in June 2010:
And my feelings haven't changed, though I've now heard way way more Benny audios than I had back then. Timeless Passages is a quite superb Benny audio, and a brilliant piece of scifi storytelling. Totally standalone, so you don't need to have listened to any of the other Benny audios. As is often the case this one has a very small cast, but they are used superbly, very well acted and written, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. A tightly plotted mystery box of a timey wimey puzzle set inside a giant library. What's not to love about that?
It's a rare Benny audio from this era still available to buy from Big Finish on CD, but also in DRM-free download. £5.99 plus shipping if ordering by post. If you hear just one Benny audio, this is the one I'd recommend by far.
"Timeless Passages is indeed wonderful. I've only heard Benny on audio in some of season 3, Timeless Passages, the Diogenes Damsel, and the Companion Chronicle story. Of these Timeless Passages is easily my favourite, and requires no prior knowledge. And it's *so* timey-wimey :) I just love it."
And my feelings haven't changed, though I've now heard way way more Benny audios than I had back then. Timeless Passages is a quite superb Benny audio, and a brilliant piece of scifi storytelling. Totally standalone, so you don't need to have listened to any of the other Benny audios. As is often the case this one has a very small cast, but they are used superbly, very well acted and written, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. A tightly plotted mystery box of a timey wimey puzzle set inside a giant library. What's not to love about that?
It's a rare Benny audio from this era still available to buy from Big Finish on CD, but also in DRM-free download. £5.99 plus shipping if ordering by post. If you hear just one Benny audio, this is the one I'd recommend by far.
Recently I reread "The Musgrave Ritual" story in the Sherlock Holmes canon. I blogged my thoughts then. In a nutshell it's one of my favourite all time Sherlock Holmes stories, revolving around an old riddle and a treasure hunt. I mentioned in that blog that I planned to rewatch the Jeremy Brett version, and newly watch the Basil Rathbone film version. I've done that now, so will jot down some brief thoughts. Note there are some spoilers in here, though light.
Firstly I rewatched the Jeremy Brett TV version from 1986. This takes some liberties with the plot, which in the original story involved a young Holmes on his own in the past, but here was changed to Holmes and Watson going together to a countryside manor for Holmes to recuperate. There are lots of little elements even early on retained and reworked from the original story, such as Holmes having a big box full of old case papers that tantalise Watson. The TV version puts the story of the manor's butler firmly in the forefront, and we see this back story play out early on. James Hazeldine as butler Brunton is extremely effective, and carries his scenes very well. A few small changes are made to the treasure hunt itself, but the story is otherwise largely faithful. And those changes that are made are effective for transferring it to a TV episode. Good stuff.
The Basil Rathbone 1943 movie version is a much looser retelling, but charming in its own way. Here Watson - during WW2 Britain - is working in a Northumberland convalescence home for servicemen suffering from shell shock. And a series of murders lead him to call in Holmes for help. In this version of the story there are three members of the Musgrave family to meet, not one as in the original story, plus a characterful group of wounded servicemen, who are superbly written and acted. The butler Brunton is retained, though here with a wife. And there's another medic, and also the American airman that Sally Musgrave is in love with. The ritual is totally reworked, not really recognisable from Conan Doyle's original. Rather than a hunt around the physical grounds of the manor, this ritual leads to a giant chess game in the house, with the inhabitants playing the chess pieces as Holmes shouts out moves. Ultimately the secret treasure is uncovered and there is a satisfying ending. But it doesn't feel much like the original story. But, as I said, I like it. The direction is dynamic, with sometimes amazing special effects for 1943. The cast of British and American actors generally do a great job, with only a few dodgy accents (London-born Dennis Hoey as Lestrade has a surprisingly poor accent). The film is a little over an hour long, but full of incident and interest, and kept my attention throughout.
So two fun but different retellings of this Arthur Conan Doyle story. My favourite is the Jeremy Brett version, which is more faithful, and also features my all-time favourite Holmes and Watson pairing of actors. But the Basil Rathbone version is a delight in its own way. There's also a 1912 short silent film version of the story, that can be viewed on the story's Wikipedia page.
Firstly I rewatched the Jeremy Brett TV version from 1986. This takes some liberties with the plot, which in the original story involved a young Holmes on his own in the past, but here was changed to Holmes and Watson going together to a countryside manor for Holmes to recuperate. There are lots of little elements even early on retained and reworked from the original story, such as Holmes having a big box full of old case papers that tantalise Watson. The TV version puts the story of the manor's butler firmly in the forefront, and we see this back story play out early on. James Hazeldine as butler Brunton is extremely effective, and carries his scenes very well. A few small changes are made to the treasure hunt itself, but the story is otherwise largely faithful. And those changes that are made are effective for transferring it to a TV episode. Good stuff.
The Basil Rathbone 1943 movie version is a much looser retelling, but charming in its own way. Here Watson - during WW2 Britain - is working in a Northumberland convalescence home for servicemen suffering from shell shock. And a series of murders lead him to call in Holmes for help. In this version of the story there are three members of the Musgrave family to meet, not one as in the original story, plus a characterful group of wounded servicemen, who are superbly written and acted. The butler Brunton is retained, though here with a wife. And there's another medic, and also the American airman that Sally Musgrave is in love with. The ritual is totally reworked, not really recognisable from Conan Doyle's original. Rather than a hunt around the physical grounds of the manor, this ritual leads to a giant chess game in the house, with the inhabitants playing the chess pieces as Holmes shouts out moves. Ultimately the secret treasure is uncovered and there is a satisfying ending. But it doesn't feel much like the original story. But, as I said, I like it. The direction is dynamic, with sometimes amazing special effects for 1943. The cast of British and American actors generally do a great job, with only a few dodgy accents (London-born Dennis Hoey as Lestrade has a surprisingly poor accent). The film is a little over an hour long, but full of incident and interest, and kept my attention throughout.
So two fun but different retellings of this Arthur Conan Doyle story. My favourite is the Jeremy Brett version, which is more faithful, and also features my all-time favourite Holmes and Watson pairing of actors. But the Basil Rathbone version is a delight in its own way. There's also a 1912 short silent film version of the story, that can be viewed on the story's Wikipedia page.
Bernice Summerfield: The Tartarus Gate
Apr. 10th, 2025 10:09 amOn to my next audio, the first in the seventh series of Big Finish Benny audios. This story follows on from the upheaval of the previous one, before sending Jason off on a quest to rescue Benny who has vanished from time and space.
There are a lot of clever ideas in this audio. The aliens involved have a datascape virtual world that they inhabit. And they can also control time to go back in time. But I don't think I was in the right mood for this level of abstraction. It's also rather difficult to successfully achieve in audio alone.
The writing wasn't great. There were some particularly painful extended info dumps. Again very much the "tell not show" poor form of storytelling. And this wasn't even the huge back story elements of especially Benny but also to an extent Jason that the story relied on.
Stephen Fewell and Lisa Bowerman were acting their socks off as Jason and Benny though.
But ultimately not a great audio by a long chalk.
I do remember the next one is a fab story, so looking forward to that ...
There are a lot of clever ideas in this audio. The aliens involved have a datascape virtual world that they inhabit. And they can also control time to go back in time. But I don't think I was in the right mood for this level of abstraction. It's also rather difficult to successfully achieve in audio alone.
The writing wasn't great. There were some particularly painful extended info dumps. Again very much the "tell not show" poor form of storytelling. And this wasn't even the huge back story elements of especially Benny but also to an extent Jason that the story relied on.
Stephen Fewell and Lisa Bowerman were acting their socks off as Jason and Benny though.
But ultimately not a great audio by a long chalk.
I do remember the next one is a fab story, so looking forward to that ...
Sherlock Holmes reread: The Reigate Squire
Apr. 2nd, 2025 02:26 pmOnto another story and going to discuss this with ( serious spoilers ... )
Onto my next story, and it's the last episode of season 6 of Big Finish's Benny audios.
And it's a key story. I can't really say much even in spoiler space without giving too many important things away. But it certainly changes things up.
It's also impressive how full cast it feels, against so many Benny audios that feel too sparse. There's a key core cast here of Benny, Jason, Brax and one other. But then there are another eight or so cast members. And it just feels full of folk. But also very well paced in the writing. Joseph Lidster has done a fantastic job.
I do feel I'm missing out on some of the beats in this story by not having read the Big Finish Benny books around this time. Particularly some of the short story collections. However I have most of the books in house, so may dig out a few key short stories to read.
But, yes, epic, very moving, and a huge shake up to the status quo.
And it's a key story. I can't really say much even in spoiler space without giving too many important things away. But it certainly changes things up.
It's also impressive how full cast it feels, against so many Benny audios that feel too sparse. There's a key core cast here of Benny, Jason, Brax and one other. But then there are another eight or so cast members. And it just feels full of folk. But also very well paced in the writing. Joseph Lidster has done a fantastic job.
I do feel I'm missing out on some of the beats in this story by not having read the Big Finish Benny books around this time. Particularly some of the short story collections. However I have most of the books in house, so may dig out a few key short stories to read.
But, yes, epic, very moving, and a huge shake up to the status quo.
20 years ago "Rose", the first episode of the relaunched Doctor Who, aired. This was the start of an opening series starring Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as his companion Rose. And what a return.
Though I felt that Christopher Eccleston sometimes seemed uncomfortable in the part, particularly the more humorous sections, Billie Piper was a revelation. I knew her before then as a pop singer, a pre Britney UK version of Britney Spears. And then wow, she could really act. And now is a multi award winning stage actress. There's no way that Doctor Who would have been such a hit on its return without her part in it.
The overall feeling from the first season for me was fun and vitality. Doctor Who was back with confidence and pizzazz, and it sure delivered. Albeit with often scares and even pathos. Losing the Ninth Doctor at the end of the season was a shock, but as a one-season run for that Doctor (before Big Finish made many audios more recently with Christopher Eccleston returning to the role) it was very strong, and remains so viewed today.
My favourite story from this opening series by a long way is the two-part "The Empty Child" / "The Doctor Dances". When this aired it even bumped 1979's "City of Death" from the all-time top spot for me. And it's retained that place in the two decades since. This story is a perfect mix of historical, terror, horror, humour and pathos. It was also the first time I'd seen Steven Moffat's writing (yes I missed the 1999 "The Curse of Fatal Death"!) and I was wowed.
The other absolute standout for me from this series is "Dalek" by Robert Shearman. Cleverly reworking a Big Finish audio, this relaunched Daleks for a new audience, all through presenting just one of them on screen.
And my other favourite story is "Rose". Which was a superb introduction for new viewers and old timers alike. Absolutely brimming with confidence.
I could write much more, but for now just want to say "Happy birthday New Who!" And yes, I will be watching my all-time favourite story again tonight.
Though I felt that Christopher Eccleston sometimes seemed uncomfortable in the part, particularly the more humorous sections, Billie Piper was a revelation. I knew her before then as a pop singer, a pre Britney UK version of Britney Spears. And then wow, she could really act. And now is a multi award winning stage actress. There's no way that Doctor Who would have been such a hit on its return without her part in it.
The overall feeling from the first season for me was fun and vitality. Doctor Who was back with confidence and pizzazz, and it sure delivered. Albeit with often scares and even pathos. Losing the Ninth Doctor at the end of the season was a shock, but as a one-season run for that Doctor (before Big Finish made many audios more recently with Christopher Eccleston returning to the role) it was very strong, and remains so viewed today.
My favourite story from this opening series by a long way is the two-part "The Empty Child" / "The Doctor Dances". When this aired it even bumped 1979's "City of Death" from the all-time top spot for me. And it's retained that place in the two decades since. This story is a perfect mix of historical, terror, horror, humour and pathos. It was also the first time I'd seen Steven Moffat's writing (yes I missed the 1999 "The Curse of Fatal Death"!) and I was wowed.
The other absolute standout for me from this series is "Dalek" by Robert Shearman. Cleverly reworking a Big Finish audio, this relaunched Daleks for a new audience, all through presenting just one of them on screen.
And my other favourite story is "Rose". Which was a superb introduction for new viewers and old timers alike. Absolutely brimming with confidence.
I could write much more, but for now just want to say "Happy birthday New Who!" And yes, I will be watching my all-time favourite story again tonight.
Bumped this up my viewing list, because the play is going off streaming through National Theatre at Home at the end of this month. It can be viewed before then by people like me who subscribe to the service (I was lucky to nab a reduced price offer before Christmas), or on a short-term rental view.
The play was staged in early 2024 and is a dramatisation of the life of Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan, who spearheaded the launch of the National Health Service in the UK in 1948. The play tells Bevan's life, looking back from his final days in hospital, as sedated he dreams back to his youth as a miner's son in Wales, early political life, his courtship of his wife, Westminster politics of WW2, and then the fight to found the NHS.
The staging is creative, being set largely in a hospital ward, but repurposing the props - including beds - as well as patients and staff to take on the various roles of people Nye encountered in his life. This staging took a little getting used to, and the play runs briskly along. But it certainly grabs the viewer's attention.
The central performance of Michael Sheen as Nye Bevan is riveting, and ably matched by Sharon Small as his Scottish wife and fellow Labour politician Jenny Lee. Their relationship feels vital to the play as a whole, but is surprisingly underdeveloped after their first striking meeting.
The foundation of the NHS happens near the end of the play, and feels surprisingly rushed, and a story only partly told. There is very effective staging of a group of doctors seen above, debating whether to join the new NHS. The toing and froing here between Bevan and the doctors is gripping. But then it's over, the NHS is founded, and the play finishes soon after.
An admirable theatre experience, though I think the play script could have balanced some aspects of the story better. However the performances are gripping, and the staging held my attention throughout. Recommended.
The play was staged in early 2024 and is a dramatisation of the life of Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan, who spearheaded the launch of the National Health Service in the UK in 1948. The play tells Bevan's life, looking back from his final days in hospital, as sedated he dreams back to his youth as a miner's son in Wales, early political life, his courtship of his wife, Westminster politics of WW2, and then the fight to found the NHS.
The staging is creative, being set largely in a hospital ward, but repurposing the props - including beds - as well as patients and staff to take on the various roles of people Nye encountered in his life. This staging took a little getting used to, and the play runs briskly along. But it certainly grabs the viewer's attention.
The central performance of Michael Sheen as Nye Bevan is riveting, and ably matched by Sharon Small as his Scottish wife and fellow Labour politician Jenny Lee. Their relationship feels vital to the play as a whole, but is surprisingly underdeveloped after their first striking meeting.
The foundation of the NHS happens near the end of the play, and feels surprisingly rushed, and a story only partly told. There is very effective staging of a group of doctors seen above, debating whether to join the new NHS. The toing and froing here between Bevan and the doctors is gripping. But then it's over, the NHS is founded, and the play finishes soon after.
An admirable theatre experience, though I think the play script could have balanced some aspects of the story better. However the performances are gripping, and the staging held my attention throughout. Recommended.
Bernice Summerfield: The Goddess Quandary
Mar. 10th, 2025 05:51 pmOn to the next audio, and it's another one where Benny's off to another planet, to investigate a curious archaeological thing. In this case she's asked to look for the remains of a local warlord who's key to the local religion.
On plus after the recent run there were no scenes of torture. In fact it's a rather light audio, albeit with some scary scenes. The monks that Benny encounters are a curious bunch, and there turns out to be a reason for that. And what she discovers in the wreckage of a spaceship is not exactly what they expected ...
The best bit about the audio is Benny's quasi companion Keri, an old friend of hers, an almost mouse-like alien, who is there to record Benny's discoveries and broadcast them to viewers across space, using highly amusing roaming cameras. Keri is full of character, and very well played by guest star Jane Goddard (incidentally the wife of TV episode "Dalek"'s writer Rob Shearman). And their rapport, which does evolve too, is a delight to listen to.
So a rather light audio, not outstanding, but entertaining enough. And hey, no signs of torture.
The next audio looks like an important one. Looking forward to that.
On plus after the recent run there were no scenes of torture. In fact it's a rather light audio, albeit with some scary scenes. The monks that Benny encounters are a curious bunch, and there turns out to be a reason for that. And what she discovers in the wreckage of a spaceship is not exactly what they expected ...
The best bit about the audio is Benny's quasi companion Keri, an old friend of hers, an almost mouse-like alien, who is there to record Benny's discoveries and broadcast them to viewers across space, using highly amusing roaming cameras. Keri is full of character, and very well played by guest star Jane Goddard (incidentally the wife of TV episode "Dalek"'s writer Rob Shearman). And their rapport, which does evolve too, is a delight to listen to.
So a rather light audio, not outstanding, but entertaining enough. And hey, no signs of torture.
The next audio looks like an important one. Looking forward to that.
Just finished watching this production, starring Andrew Scott as Garry Essendine, and including in the cast Indira Varma (who, like Scott, won an Olivier award for this role) and Sophie Thompson (also Olivier nominated, but lost to Varma).
This is an old play, written by Noel Coward in the 1930s, centred around a successful actor and his immediate circle of associates. This 2019 version updated it in places, including gender swapping a key character, making it more true to the unspoken feeling but unshowable then truth of the original 1940s production. I think the ending has been tweaked too.
The acting is sparkling, very theatrical and over the top, but works so very well, and keeps you glued for almost 90 minutes. The staging is good too, set in a single room, with clever use of furniture, doors and other props. Often when the front door bell would ring, leading to another disastrous arrival, the audience would laugh out loud. Indeed there was just so much laughter from the audience throughout the whole play.
In the lead role Andrew Scott was superb. Yes over the top and camp for much of the time, but with a sad pathos running underneath, and superb comic timing. The rest of the cast were excellent, especially Varma and Thompson.
Highly recommended viewing. I watched the recorded performance via my National Theatre at Home streaming subscription, which I bought at a greatly reduced cost (thankfully!) just before Christmas.
This is an old play, written by Noel Coward in the 1930s, centred around a successful actor and his immediate circle of associates. This 2019 version updated it in places, including gender swapping a key character, making it more true to the unspoken feeling but unshowable then truth of the original 1940s production. I think the ending has been tweaked too.
The acting is sparkling, very theatrical and over the top, but works so very well, and keeps you glued for almost 90 minutes. The staging is good too, set in a single room, with clever use of furniture, doors and other props. Often when the front door bell would ring, leading to another disastrous arrival, the audience would laugh out loud. Indeed there was just so much laughter from the audience throughout the whole play.
In the lead role Andrew Scott was superb. Yes over the top and camp for much of the time, but with a sad pathos running underneath, and superb comic timing. The rest of the cast were excellent, especially Varma and Thompson.
Highly recommended viewing. I watched the recorded performance via my National Theatre at Home streaming subscription, which I bought at a greatly reduced cost (thankfully!) just before Christmas.
