As names for plays go, 'Ring Round the Moon' is suitably grand. I can't help but think that 'Wired to the Moon' would have been more to the point. An old gem mined and adapted form French Playwright Jean Anouilh, the play bases its comedy on the idiosyncrasies of life in the bosom the bourgeoisie.
All the action tales place in the conservatory of one Madame Desmortes, a rich old matriarch whose attempt to throw a society party is hijacked by her sociopath nephew, Hugo. He invites a beautiful, poor young dancer to goad the tangled and incestuous relationships that already exist amongst his relatives.
While the plot is at times absurd, with Messieurs and Mademoiselles delivering their lines in RP that would make even the Queen's ears bleed, Ring Round the Moon does have a certain charm. This is mainly thanks to the stunning 50s inspired Dior Costumes, and to actor JJ Field, who dashes on and off stage to play Hugo and his wimpier twin, yet manages not to stretch credibility to breaking point.
Amidst the gaudy comedy and dazzling costumes, there are some thought provoking scenes: unhappy rich people ripping up money, unhappy poor people pimping their children. The major theme seems to be the disparity between idealism and reality. A bit like the play itself, which succeeds on many levels, but doesn't quite bridge the gap between the audience and the world it portrays.
All the action tales place in the conservatory of one Madame Desmortes, a rich old matriarch whose attempt to throw a society party is hijacked by her sociopath nephew, Hugo. He invites a beautiful, poor young dancer to goad the tangled and incestuous relationships that already exist amongst his relatives.
While the plot is at times absurd, with Messieurs and Mademoiselles delivering their lines in RP that would make even the Queen's ears bleed, Ring Round the Moon does have a certain charm. This is mainly thanks to the stunning 50s inspired Dior Costumes, and to actor JJ Field, who dashes on and off stage to play Hugo and his wimpier twin, yet manages not to stretch credibility to breaking point.
Amidst the gaudy comedy and dazzling costumes, there are some thought provoking scenes: unhappy rich people ripping up money, unhappy poor people pimping their children. The major theme seems to be the disparity between idealism and reality. A bit like the play itself, which succeeds on many levels, but doesn't quite bridge the gap between the audience and the world it portrays.
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Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...