Anthony and Cleopatra
December 2018. Olivier Theatre.
What a sumptuous evening of Shakespeare this is.
This is directed by the superb and masterly Simon Godwin who seems to have a gift for making the longest of plays (this is 3.5 hours and 37 scenes) seem alive and vibrant. This is his last foray at the NT as he goes to the US to be Artistic Director at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. I hope he’s back soon. He must be in the running for the NT job when that comes up next.
And the design of this is immensely classy. Egypt and Rome are given their colours and style – military and marble for Rome the all conquering, warm and opulent for Egypt the rich. It is truly luxurious and elegant to watch. And the use of the revolve allows for some stunning and clever sets to be showcased. This is the NT at its very best. Complicated, technical looking simple and seamless. Bravo team!
Fiennes is wonderfully magnetic as the past his prime Antony, both passionate and political. And his scenes of shame and anguish at the loss of the battle are superb.
But it is Sophie Okonedo’s night. She’s MAGNIFICENT. Yes, Cleopatra is the better part but she perfectly captures the poise, passion yet capricious nature of this powerful queen used to getting her own way. And bravo costume department as her costumes are extraordinary. She embodies the wealth,majesty and power you expect of Cleopatra. And little known fact, one of Okonedo’s inspirations for this look was Beyoncé.
I was transfixed. I stood to applaud her – and you know I don’t do that often.
Special mention for Fisayo Akinade who was brilliant as Eros. His comedy during the scene where he brings the queen news of Antony’s marriage was a delight. And then his anguish when asked to kill Antony astonishing. I gasped.
5/5 Sumptuous.
