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ARRIVING at the Royal Court last Friday to see Christopher Shinn's US election drama, Now or Later, we could tell something was in the air. True, it was a celebrity audience Alan Rickman, Kevin Spacey, Russell Brand but the Court is far too cool to make a fuss. But then we all froze, as the Prime Minister and his wife were ushered to their seats. Now this really was a turn-up for the books. Tony Blair's lack of interest in the arts was well-documented but here was Gordon making an effort to book a baby-sitter and put away the red boxes.
Suddenly a fascinating play about spin and counter-spin became electrifying. Can you be a decent human being and get elected? Should liberals respect the views of fundamentalists? Every line resonated at so many new levels. My own favourite: "He seemed a little gay." "He's a socialist!" brought the house down.
For the gossipy among us, it was impossible not to fantasise about texting friends. Gordon must have thought long and hard about attending the play (a concise 70 minutes) in the middle of the global meltdown. Cruelly there was no interval for us to analyse Sarah's wardrobe in minute detail. Because the presence of stars in the audience can completely change your theatre experience.
I once sat next to Mick Jagger and "Legs" L'Wren Scott at The History Boys. It made it pretty hard to concentrate on the Bennett but what was so sweet was, dressed down in jumpers, they looked like a geography teacher and his wife out for a quiet night.
It can kill the ambience, of course. A friend once had an appalling tussle over a banquette at the Donmar with Pinter (Harold was under the illusion that he could occupy two seats). His view of the playwright never quite recovered.
Coruscating, un-PC and yet oddly idealistic, Now or Later isn't an easy watch for a beleaguered PM. He must have known his every laugh would be scrutinised. So all credit to Gordon for not just opting for Girl With a Pearl Earring.
Reader views (1)
I saw it a couple of weeks ago--very interesting play. I certainly hope the audience wasn't too distracted to appreciate it.
- Georgiana, Seattle, Washington, USA, 17/10/2008 02:57
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