THE Merlin offers a chance to see National Theatre Live’s 2013 broadcast of the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus, on Thursday 24th September, which returns to theatres and cinemas by popular demand.
Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge, Coriolanus features an Evening Standard Award-winning performance from Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, War Horse (film), BBC’s The Hollow Crown) in the title role, directed by the Donmar’s artistic director Josie Rourke. The full company includes Jacqueline Boatswain, Peter De Jersey, Alfred Enoch, Deborah Findlay, Hadley Fraser, Mark Gatiss, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Elliot Levey, Rochenda Sandall, Helen Schlesinger, Mark Stanley and Dwane Walcott.
When an old adversary threatens Rome, the city calls once more on her hero and defender, Coriolanus. But he has enemies at home too. Famine threatens the city, the citizens’ hunger swells to an appetite for change, and on returning from the field, Coriolanus must confront the march of realpolitik and the voice of an angry people.
The screening starts at 7.00pm, has a running time of 180 minutes and is rated 12A. Tickets are £16, concessions £10.50. A pre-show supper is also available.
On the following night, Friday 25th September at 7.45pm, live theatre returns with London Classic Theatre’s production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Beckett’s 60-year-old masterpiece Waiting for Godot, is a ground-breaking, anarchic meditation on the meaning of life and death. Part allegory, part burlesque, Beckett’s unique, timeless play moves seamlessly between absurdist comic sketch and captivating philosophical drama.
Vladimir and Estragon meet as dusk approaches. Estragon tries to remove his boot. Vladimir examines his hat. A conversation begins, a joke is interrupted. A carrot is eaten.
Waiting for Godot was first produced in Great Britain at the Arts Theatre, London in 1955, directed by Sir Peter Hall. In 1999, it was voted the most significant English language play of the 20th Century.
Irish playwright, novelist and theatre director, Samuel Beckett is widely regarded as among the most influential writers of modern times. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969. His plays include Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape and Happy Days.
Tickets are £14.50, with student tickets available for £5.50.
