Antony and Cleopatra

Novello Theatre, London until 17 February 2007

A tempestuous love affair struggles to survive as power politics and the demands of Ancient Rome and Egypt tear these two great leaders apart.

'Gregory Doran's magnificent production brings piercing intelligence to the central relationship...Patrick Stewart's superb Antony and Harriet Walter's mesmerising Cleopatra. The real triumph of the production lies in allowing us to see Shakespeare's epic with fresh unclouded eyes' Guardian

Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran directs this epic play, following his recent productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sejanus: His Fall, All's Well That Ends Well with Judi Dench and Othello with Antony Sher.

Associate Artist Harriet Walter plays Cleopatra. Her recent RSC roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Lady Macbeth opposite Antony Sher. Honorary Associate Artist Patrick Stewart plays Antony, and also appears as Prospero in The Tempest.

For tickets and information visit: www.rsc.org.uk
Running time: 3 hours including an interval of 20 minutes
Access performances: Assisted performance on 31 January, 7 February

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This is a master class in acting given by Patrick Stewart. We are reminded that this is a man that has spent a life time in Shakespeare and only a few year travelling the universe as the Captain of the Enterprise in Star Trek - The Next Generation. His passion, energy and dynamic stage presence carry this production and this is an actor that must bring a tittle role to the big screen so his work in this field is not forgotten.

That is not to say he is not surrounded by fine actors in the other roles. John Hopkins as Octavious Caesar is brilliantly portrayed by an actor that must surly reach the heights of this uncertain profession. Bringing so much more depth to his character than I have seen in previous productions.

Cleopatra a woman of "infinite variety" is played by the brilliant Harriet Walter. I must say, however I did not feel she was helped by her costume, a simple chiffon outfit, wig and bangles. That aside this is also a performance not to be missed.

This production does not break new ground and is all the better for that. Relying on Shakespeare to do the work with no sets and few props. This is not the young love of Romeo and Juliet but a doomed mid life crisis for Antony.

In my very humble opinion this is not the most compelling of Shakespeare's works and I would not recommend this as an introduction or for a younger audience. But for those that wish to increase their knowledge of the cannon this is a macho and powerful portrayal by a very strong cast that hits the right notes. Robert J Williamson, My Theatre Review

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What the critics say.....
BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "His Antony [Patrick Stewart) is as good as any you’ll see...Gregory Doran’s RSC production remains clear, direct, pacey." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Superb staging." NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Transferred to the larger, traditional Novello stage Gregory Doran's production has sadly lost much of its originality, its intimate focus and forcefulness." SARAH HEMMING for THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "Fine Royal Shakespeare Company production." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Excellent production, imported from Stratford's Swan, Patrick Stewart offers the best Antony since Michael Redgrave half a century ago." ALICE JONES for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Gripping production...Harriet Walter and Patrick Stewart are excellent as the eponymous lovers.

ALSO: TIME OUT CRITIC'S CHOICE - THE STAGE

Audience's reviews:

It’s one of those plays which are not recommended to watch on Saturday evenings. Remarkable performance from Patrick Stewart did not help to rescue the play and make it interesting. It’s a world known love story but somehow the chemistry between the main two characters was missing. The play was lacking of passion and dynamics which you would expect. The surroundings seemed very humble not to say poor and did not resemble the ambiance of a wealthy Egyptian court. The play was long - three hours and involved loads of monologues which weren’t performed with the greatest passion. Sylwia ( 34 ) London

I was worried that being at the back of the theatre would be a negative but I had no need to fear in that both Stewart and Walter are performers of such physical presence and vocal technique that they reached the back row with ease. Stewart was believable and strong as the man who had the world at his fingers. His ego being his downfall, he was bound to squander everything showing off to his legendary Queen of the Nile. A difficult play made more enjoyable by strong performances including John Hopkins, excellent as Caesar. David Lloyd (30) London

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