'National Theatre Live: A Small Family Business' (2014)
Opening thoughts: Have for a long time loved viewing the live cinema streamings of the National Theatre Live series. So many gems in the series and very few misses, and what strikes me about watching these productions are how they are made available so accessibly while making one feel like they are there. Am always up for seeing something different to Shakespeare and other theatre standards, and Alan Ayckborn's 'A Small Family Business' couldn't be any more different if it tried.
This was a very good production of 'A Small Family Business', it is very well acted, intelligently staged, starts off absolutely wonderfully and does a great job staying loyal to Ayckborn's style. It is not for those wanting to be moved or rolling in the aisles laughing, or anybody wanting likeable characters. The subject is a pretty uncomfortable one (in a way that will leave one deep in thought or/and unsettled, both were the case for me) and the characters as a word of warning are not pleasant really, but not in a one dimensional way as such.
Bad things: Do wish that there was more of a farcical tone in places, the production started off so riotously and then it fairly abruptly became very serious and stayed that way. At times too over serious.
Especially in the very downbeat, to the point of grimness, conclusion that left me feel a little deflated emotionally with the violent tone taken too far compared to everything else that came before it.
Good things: It is however exceptionally acted, with a mesmerising performance in particular from Nigel Lindsay, whose performance is a masterpiece of comic timing, integrity and authority. A very complex character played with complexity. Debra Gillett is affecting, Niky Wardley enjoys herself and Matthew Cottle is suitably sinister. The production is intelligently directed and doesn't play it too safe and feel too heavy handed. The highlight direction and writing wise is the riotous beginning, which is how to do farce well. Farce can be over-played and repetitive, but neither were the case here.
Furthermore, the production looks great, with a very clever and handsome set and this is one of not many times where a revolving set is used well. The writing is witty, sharp and thought provoking and the characters still have their meat in development.
Closing thoughts:Summing up, very good though not for one. One needs to be in the right mindset or/and know what to expect before watching, so that it is not too much of a shock.
8/10.
