'The Recruiting Officer' at the Donmar

[Sean2]

Posted: 3/1/12 at 1:15pm

Just got back from seeing the matinee today, and I really loved it. It's beautifully designed and played, and Mark Gatiss is worth the price of admission alone. If you're not a fan of Restoration comedies, you might change your mind with this one.

[SoonerOrLater]

Posted: 3/1/12 at 2:29pm

Oh glad to hear it- I was seeing it on the 23rd March but just got tickets for next weekend as well to take my Mum, who was disappointed not to see Mark Gatiss in action.

I was confident I'd enjoy it liking both Gatiss and Restoration comedies!

First trip to the Donmar in too long too.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 3/1/12 at 4:14pm

I am trying to think what a 'restoration comedy' is, but pass, so you guys have to help me on this one?

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 3/1/12 at 8:24pm

It was broken but they've restored it!

[philitalia]

Posted: 3/2/12 at 3:08am

Just like and around the same time your monarchy was restored

[SoonerOrLater]

Posted: 3/2/12 at 3:55am

Someone restored the monarchy and didn't tell me? damn.

Ok seriously, Restoration Comedies (also known as Comedy of manners but not very often) date from the period 1660-1710 and were the plays that took place after stage performances had been banned by the Puritain regime. They are generally characterised by topical/political comedy and sexual explicitness (which Charles I aparently quite encouraged!) They also provided some of the first 'famous' actors of the stage including Aphra Benn. Another perhaps more famous example of Restoration Comedy is 'The Country Wife'
Though 'The Recruiting Officer' isn't that widely performed a RC it's well known from its includsion in 'Our Country's Good' (which back in the day, well, my day was an A level text!)

Thus endeth our lesson on Restoration Comedy. I'll be back in a week to give my opinion on 'The Recruiting Officer'

[theatrepaul]

Posted: 3/2/12 at 6:43am

I just didn't get it - yes it's beautifully staged and well performed but it didn't engage me or make me laugh. I left feeling underwhelmed and dissapointed.

[mallardo]

Posted: 3/2/12 at 8:26am

I enjoyed it but wasn't in love with it and I think it's one of the better Restoration plays. The dialogue is genuinely witty and not just silly as is so often the case and it's full of good scenes. But even with the enormously talented cast doing their utmost to bring it to life it never quite happened.

The second act fortune teller scene was the highlight for me - Mackenzie Crook was hysterical.

[theatrepaul]

Posted: 3/2/12 at 9:10am

Yes that part was good. I agree with your comment Mallardo that it just never came to life.

Updated On: 3/2/12 at 09:10 AM

[Sean2]

Posted: 3/4/12 at 5:50am

Actually, I agree with your comment in a way as well, mallardo, and think you're quite right. I do think the play is far funnier than this production, and I'm not a fan of Josie Rourke's direction with the actors: they seem to have been encouraged to play a tragic side that the text won't support. But I've seen some real stinky productions lately, so it was nice to see something solid. Somehow the pre-show and the finale just won (and then broke) my heart. I'll never forget it.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 3/4/12 at 6:10am

'I am trying to think what a 'restoration comedy' is, but pass, so you guys have to help me on this one?'

'It was broken but they've restored it!'

Thanks for that, so cold we think of One Man, Two Guvnors as a restoration play?

[theatrepaul]

Posted: 3/4/12 at 6:23am

There were some nice touches throughout but, for me it all felt like they were in a way, trying too hard which supports Sean2's comments about the direction.