Coriolanus (Donmar) Lay-persons review
I ‘studied’ this play for A -Level English but that was over 35 yrs ago, so when it was announced that this would be Tom’s return to the Shakespearean stage, I was a little nonplussed. I didn’t remember anything in detail, about the play other than the obnoxious soldier, pushy ambitious mother and it ‘didn’t end well’. Also that I, like many, had visualized Coriolanus as an older man.
I watched the Fiennes version in the months before the performance and also re-read the text. My god, it’s easier to understand Shakespeare with those extra years under my belt. I saw it with my husband and in the end, my Shakespeare adoring niece who lives in London. The intention was to take my 14yr daughter, but she can be emotional at violence, gore etc so she bailed & was treated to a tour of London with a friend who knows all the best places and dim sum in China town.
I loved the intimacy of the Donmar. It sucked you into the events (not hard as you were only feet away) a part of the production. I could have done with a little less of the strident modern music but the minimalist stage worked and I liked the mood set by the lighting and ‘text’ video projections. This abridged version was clear and easy to follow, nothing left out that impacted on the story as far as I could see and tight right to the end.
The fight scenes were violent and energetic. Aufidius and Martius could really do some damage with a blade. Very real.
Tom’s portrayal of Coriolanus, military leader at the top of his game - lacking any political skills (that age aspect no longer an issue minutes into the performance) was as good as anything I’d seen from him previously, although being on stage it was emotionally intensified. Hiddleston is a Shakespearean natural, and to paraphrase a BBC reviewer 'immensely talented'. His power and menace seemed constantly in check so you get that real sense of controlled danger from him. That familiar, well practiced arrogance (oh so Asgardian) and steely glare was perfect, as he piled on insult after insult. He had me shaking in my stylish yet affordable plebeian sandals. Yet I also could relate and understood his reasoning about the fickle people & how abhorrent the tradition/ritual for asking for voices for consul was to him. I don’t know if it is an age thing - but I feel a little like Coriolanus when dealing with people.
That shower scene brought out sympathetic wince of pain from me (The make up was very realistic.) - this was no ‘fanservice sexy’ moment. Seriously, I kid you not, his hands shook and it was excruciating, raw,intense and very,very powerful. Perfect illustration of Coriolanus determination and strength. Visually stunning.
The collection of ‘voices’ made me smile. Even in that gown.
Menenius dismissal and the final scene between Coriolanus and Volumnia were heart rending. Tom was facing us and the tears streaked his face and I too, appeared to have something in my eye. Utterly convincing performances and you just knew that Coriolanus was aware of how this would go. The end, when it came, was hideously brutal and shocking. There were gasps from the audience . I was relieved to be forewarned. The petals seemed a little too ott IMO, but it didn’t detract from it too much. There were people standing during the applause but it wasn’t everyone- so I am not sure that counts as a standing ovation. There were loud cheers and whoops though. The cast took a couple of bows/curtain calls (no curtains) but then left swiftly. I did not see/hear any bad behaviour, phones or anything out of order during the performance from the audience (or Mark Gatiss tweeting).
All round strong support from the cast although most credit to Volumnia (Deborah Findlay) and Menenius (Mark Gatiss) who were outstanding. Virgilia (Birgitte Sorensen) was a little more sensual and seductive than I had expected but it seemed to work quite well. Tough to make an impact with little or no dialogue.
Before I went to Coriolanus, I made the decision not to attempt a wait at the ‘stage door’. How Tom has the patience or energy left, after a day where he gives his all in two performances, is beyond me. I can see why there are those who really want to meet him, but personally I’d rather it were in less difficult, tiring circumstances. He gave above and beyond in the performance and that’s all I need. We left the theatre immediately and were met with both sides of the street full of people waiting. According to my daughter, who was there for us, she was told by a fan that “if you wait there” the man (security) will shout at you. El explained that she was waiting for family, not actors. She did see some people who had just left the theatre jump the queue which was spotted by swiftly ‘the man’ and sent to the back.
I’m not an expert on Shakespeare, or a very frequent theatre-goer anymore but this production had my head reeling for a couple of days, & overwhelming, desperate desire to see it again immediately. My husband, who has seen little theatre or Shakespeare (but a Borgen fan), was, to my delight, captivated by it. He must have been heartily fed up with my Hiddles-witterings over the last few months but he did say that he thought Tom was outstanding. I think he’s hooked on Shakespeare now. I would say in comparison to the NTLive of Othello (Kinnear/ Lester) in 2013 - I enjoyed this production far more. We’re booked to see King Lear in February so it will be interesting to see how we react to that.