Eugène Ionesco’s ability to create startling images on stage is almost unparalleled from ‘The Chairs’ (last seen at the Gate Theatre) to ‘Rhinoceros’, which was given its English premiere at this theatre in 1960 directed by Orson Welles. Trying to sustain a play round those images is harder, even when Martin Crimp brings his usual wit to the translation. While Dominic Cooke’s determination to revive past Court successes is admirable, there’s a problem if all he does is reveal why the plays have languished since.
‘Rhinoceros’ describes the herd-like instincts of a stifling French community. One by one they become rhinoceroses – an early stampede references the famous rumble of the underground trains beneath the theatre. What scares the inhabitants initially, is later enthusiastically embraced as the animals take over the farm and the rhinoceroses outnumber the humans. Intellect is no protection – the Marxist and the logician both succumb early on. The situation provides lots of opportunities for designer Anthony Ward who satisfyingly delivers, especially when a great beast bursts through the wall following Jasper Britton’s mesmerising transformation as the conformist Jean. ‘Why not be a rhinoceros? I’m all for change,’ he says.
One of the problems is that Ionesco’s allegory is so general that the non-conformity of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Bérenger (the part originally played by Laurence Olivier) amounts to little more than dressing scruffily, drinking too much, and turning up late for work. Nor does Cumberbatch make the final scene as bleak as it could be.
There is so much more to be said about peer pressure but Ionesco never gets beneath the subject’s scaly skin. As director, Cooke must be hoping that his production will provoke herd-like yells of approval in the audience, but unlike the characters, audience members are more likely to cling to their individuality.
I always mean to go to the Royal Court’s restaurant and I’m really glad I finally got round to it!
The trendy restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and it’s an enjoyable place to have dinner, the service was great too which is always good when you are seeing a show.
We had organic burgers with focaccia and whole trout which were both were terrific-very good wine list too.
I highly recommend!
2 comments
I always mean to go to the Royal Court’s restaurant and I’m really glad I finally got round to it!
The trendy restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and it’s an enjoyable place to have dinner, the service was great too which is always good when you are seeing a show.
We had organic burgers with focaccia and whole trout which were both were terrific-very good wine list too.
I highly recommend!
The Vesuvius Club...WHAT A BAND...these guys really are ones to watch!