In Time, We Hate In That Which We Often Fear

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nationaltheatre/

Last Thursday, I went along with my Dad to our local cinema to see the new revival of Anthony and Cleopatra, currently playing at The National Theatre's Olivier Theatre, alongside Hadestown. Starring Ralph Finnes and Sophie Okonedo, it has received rave reviews right across the board - and if it weren't for Hadestown playing at the National when I was in London, then I could have gone with this instead. So I thought I would give a very brief write-up on it.

For anyone new to this, as I was, it is a crossover between a history play and a typical Shakespearean tragedy, showing a man caught between love and duty. When he receives the news that his wife has died and that there is a threat of war, Anthony reluctantly returns to Rome to carry out his military duties, despite his heart wanting to stay in Egypt with his beloved Cleopatra. What follows is betrayal left right and centre, as it is with typical Shakespeare. If you like King Lear and similar, then you'll like this too.

I must say that the highlight is definitely Okonedo, who has already won an Evening Standard Award for her performance. Draped in soft dresses fit for a high fashion catwalk (which is what her costumes were inspired by) she acts almost like a lovesick teenager when Anthony is in the room, but never loses a sense of imperiality and royalty. The whole cast may have their moments, and Finnes is well, Ralph Finnes (only on one occasion can he make you remember this is the one who played He Who Must Not Be Named), Okonedo is simply mesmerising to watch.

With that, it will be interesting to see how this does when awards season truly gets underway...