Why trudge down to the west end when you can see a top notch production in the comfort of our own borough? The Rich Mix cinema is hosting two “NT Live” shows in the coming weeks. How it works is that someone films the original production of a West End show, and that film is then played at the Rich Mix. You get to see the original production with the original cast, in real time. But you view the production as a film – with your popcorn at the ready, as you enjoy the wide pan shots mixed in with close-ups. It’s a winning combination of a cinematic view of a stage production.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time As this show was playing at the Apollo just before last Christmas, the theatre ceiling collapsed. We are promised that there will be no repeats of these shenanigans at the Rich Mix, and punters will be quite safe enjoying this NT production, filmed with the original cast and released now ahead of the production’s west end re-opening in the Gielgud Theatre this summer. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, the play won seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including Best Actor for Luke Treadaway who took top honours for his portrayal of the book/play’s central character, the 15 year old autistic maths genius Christopher Boone.
A Small Family Business The story in this 1987 Alan Ayckbourn play concerns an extended family whose members all have an interest in a furniture business. When the founder of the firm, who is in the early stages of dementia, appoints his son in law to take over as the managing director, the new boss (Nigel Lindsay in top form) promises a regime of rigorous honesty, with every paperclip accounted for. What he doesn’t realise is that the whole family has been on the take for years, and even has connections with the Mafia! Ayckbourn’s view of humanity is a combination of dark, farcical and funny… not to be missed!
May 22nd at 7pm: ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ June 12th at 7pm: ‘A Small Family Business’ by Alan Aykbourn £16.50, £14.50 members, £13.50 concessions http://www.richmix.org.uk/ Box office: 020 7613 7498