Saturday, 30 December 2017

That's for tomorrow, I said all of 12 days ago, promising Part 2 of my highlights of 2017. Christmas is lingering here like a guest who won't leave - but normality will be resumed (I hope) tomorrow. Meanwhile, no more excuses for postponing Part 2 which was going to be everything that isn't books.(My Christmas reading wasn't well-chosen and though I started off thinking, 'How clever' about Edward St Aubyn's reworking of King Lear, by the end I'd got a bit bored. Still, what a fab stocking filler should you ever get invited to spend a Christmas with Rupert Murdoch.)



I didn't keep a list of plays I've seen, so I'm sure I've forgotten some - but far and away the best of 2017 was Ink which is still on for a few days. (I also enjoyed Labour of Love by the same playwright James Graham.) Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour was great fun and so was An Octoroon which is transferring to the National Theatre next summer. And I finally made it to the most beautiful theatre in London to see The White Devil. There were, of course, some absolute turkeys, most memorably Common which wins my Heavens, Did I Really Pay to See That? award, not just for 2017 but possibly for the decade. The I'm Not Asleep, I'm Just Resting My Eyes award is shared by Ben Whishaw for Against, Glengarry Glen Ross (too shouty, and I should have known better as I nodded off during the original 1983 production, too) and Venus in Fur when I woke with a jump and worried that I might have been actually snoring. Given the painfully uncomfortable seats in most London theatres, I think these slumber awards should be considered an achievement for all concerned.

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4 comments:

  1. Cosy Books31 December 2017 at 16:23

    I thought of you as I flipped through a copy of Dunbar the other day. It went back on the shelf as I thought about a pledge not to buy a single book for a whole year...or as long as possible. The last time I committed to that sort of silliness, I lasted four days.
    Best wishes for a wonderful year ahead, Mary! It's ridiculously cold here today (-24C this morning) so it's soup on the stove and pots of tea all day long.

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  2. mary31 December 2017 at 16:45

    And we have Biblical torrents of rain here, Darlene - a truly horrible day in London. I think pledging not to buy books is like going on a diet; it only makes you feel deprived. I find I'm quite happy with the library these days; I don't feel the need to own them. Or not too often! I wasn't too keen on Dunbar; I think the Melrose novels would be a better place to start.
    Happy New Year ... will you be fast asleep by midnight?

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  3. Vronni's Style Meanderings1 January 2018 at 00:30

    That's a shame about 'Common'; the outline I read sounded so promising and I love Anne Marie Duff but it bombed didn't it?

    Happy New Year, Mary, and I wonder how many plays and exhibitions you'll get to next year?

    I've managed to read 92 books, see 3 films; one play and one gig in 2017. Must do better next year!

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  4. Mary1 January 2018 at 01:25

    That's a lot more than I read, Veronica. Funny how it ebbs and flows; I seem to be reading less and going out more - I blame the bus pass! Oh, I love my bus pass - that's definitely one of my highlights of 2017!
    I don't think anybody liked Common - although the set design was very striking. I always think it starts with the writing; if that falls short, there's not much the actors can do to save it. Some good things coming up soon, though.
    Happy New Year - and thanks for all your comments.

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