2011 in Theatre

I definitely saw fewer plays this year than in previous years (I normally average at least four, sometimes up to seven or eight), but it’s been a pretty busy year and I’ve spent a lot less time in London than I usually do. No matter! I saw a couple of great ones.

The Children’s Hour is written by Lillian Hellman and the production I saw starred Keira Knightley and Elisabeth Moss. They were both quite good, although I believe Keira Knightley was better the previous year in The Misanthrope. Being a fan of Mad Men, I enjoyed seeing Elisabeth Moss preform. I didn’t know the plot prior to going in, which I ended up being thankful for. I was glad I went, but I think it could have been improved. I’m reasonably sure that we went to see it nearer the beginning of its production, in which case the kinks would’ve been ironed out within a couple of weeks.

La Sylphide was a ballet I went to see at the infamous Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Unfortunately I can’t recall the names of the two leading dancers, but it was a mesmerising ballet and the male lead especially was exceptional. When I walked out I wanted to spend my life watching nothing other than ballet. Obviously this wore off, but it was gorgeous. 

I also saw three or four productions at my university, a couple of which were actually extremely good. I’m always amazed at how talented my friends are.