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A Night Out in London: Rain Man & Food For Thought
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 01.10.09
Touching performance: Josh Hartnett in Rain Man
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THE SHOW
Rain Man
Where: Apollo Theatre
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
When: Until 20 December, 7.30pm evenings; 3pm matinees on Saturday and Wednesday
Tickets: £16 - £47
www.rainmanonstage.com
The transition from screenplay to stage isn't an easy one to make; especially if the original is an Oscar winning film starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. But it is a good job this did not dissuade Dan Gordon. His adaptation of Rain Man for the theatre is a triumph. He has even managed to maintain the Hollywood allure with the help of Josh Hartnett, making his West End debut as Charlie.
The plot is as fans of the movie would know it. When 16 year old Charlie Babbit borrows his dad's car, he calls the police. Determined to make it on his own, Charlie leaves home. When his dad dies, Charlie gets the car and some rose bushes – but he does not inherit his father's fortune. In an attempt to track down the cash he discovers an unknown autistic brother, Raymond, with an extraordinary talent for numbers. Determined to save his business, Charlie takes Raymond on a journey with him. Raymond is introduced to a world beyond the hospital gates and Charlie, discovers unconditional love for his brother.
The moving tale is handled beautifully by Hartnett and Adam Godley as Raymond. It is little wonder that the latter has been nominated for the Best Actor title in this year's Evening Standard Theatre Awards. His touching take on the role is moving. The subtle emotion Hartnett displays for his stage brother combined with his charismatic presence makes him mesmerising to watch.
Jonathan Fensom's design is in keeping with the understated and slick production with the move from a hotel room to airport made seamlessly. Visuals of city landscapes are a reminder of its film roots. But there is no need for elaborate stage effects or dramatic scene changes. The main focus is the poignant subject matter and this is delivered with sincerity.
THE MEAL
Food for Thought
31 Neal Street, WC2 (020 7836 9072). Mon-Sat noon-8.30pm, Sun noon-5pm, £10pp BYO no corkage.
It's counter-intuitive but when the weather grows dank, vegetarian food comes into its own. Granted, salads are at their best in summer but autumn means hearty vegetable soups, bean dishes and all manner of appealing stodge. Old-established vegetarian restaurant Food for Thought has plied its trade on Neal Street for decades and is great for an early evening pit stop (it shuts at 8.30pm). A warm welcome is guaranteed along with sound, wholesome food.
Charles Campion
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