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A Night Out in London: Three Days of Rain & Bentley's
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 01.10.09
American dream: Three Days of Rain is at the Apollo theatre
Bargain: try oysters at Bentley's
Look here too
THE SHOW
Three Days of Rain
Where: The Apollo
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
When: Mon-Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat, 3pm
Tickets: £16-£47
Gone are the days when James McAvoy would play the stumbling English teenager. With the confidence that comes after a succession of Hollywood blockbusters he now delivers a versatile and charismatic performance. He has given Three Days of Rain, directed by Piaf's Jamie Lloyd, its star appeal. But the production owes its success to more than his credentials.
Nigel Harman and Lyndsey Marshal bring fine interpretations of their roles to Richard Greenberg's play; showing its dramatic quality in the best light.
The story revolves around Walker Janeway and his sister Nan who reunite for the reading of their father's will in the Manhattan loft where he lived. A wealthy architect, Ned's legacy is the iconic, internationally renowned 1960s New York house designed with his late business partner Theo. Joined by Theo's son Pip the three childhood friends meet to settle the estate and determine the future of the house. The discovery of a brief entry, “three days of rain”, in Ned's diary is the only clue to the true stories of the previous generation.
What gives the play its lift is the crossover from the 90s, in which the first half is set, to the 60s in its second half. McAvoy makes the transfer from father Ned to son Walker seamlessly. And the relationship between Ned and Lina unfolds with a sensitive take on love's complications.
Soutra Gilmour has designed a set that reinforces the nostalgic mood and the costume serves each time frame well. This ten-year-old play has a subject that won't date and a cast that gives it a fresh appeal. It is at the Apollo till 9th May so book your tickets now.
THE MEAL
Bentley's
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG, 020 7734 4756
When: Monday-Saturday 12pm to 12am, Sunday 12pm-10pm
Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus
www.bentleys.org
Richard Corrigan's Bentley's, one of London's premier seafood restaurants, serves around 1,000 oysters every day at its marble-topped bar on the borders of Soho and Mayfair. If you fancy watching the oyster shuckers at work, you can sit at the bar or you may choose to relax in cosy red leather banquettes.
The Grill, located on the first floor is divided into several smaller rooms warmly decorated with William Morris designs and wooden flooring for old-style elegance.
The restaurant is credit crunch friendly too; offering half a dozen Maldon Rock oysters and a glass of Muscadet for under £10. Bargain. The offer is available at any time, any day in the Oyster Bar and Grill so why not team it with a trip to the theatre?
