A View From The Bridge, Olivier Awards And More On The Buzz From The Bardette
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Rebecca Usher
From Mark Strong’s staggering performance in A View from the Bridge at the Wyndham's Theatre to partying it up with the Beatles in Let It Be, here’s what I’ve been up to and what I’m looking forward to this week. We also can’t go without talking about the glittering Olivier Award nominations that have just been announced and who you want to see win one of this year’s most prestigious awards!
Last Thursday I went to see the sensational A View from the Bridge. After transferring from the Young Vic to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre, the cast have been wowing audiences night after night in this compelling adaptation by Ivo Van Hove. This ensemble cast is one of the strongest I’ve seen, there isn’t a single weak link in the tragic story of Italian-American Eddie Carbone (Mark Strong). Set in post-war New York, Eddie welcomes his wife’s Italian cousins into his home, as they sneak into the country to find work. When one of them falls for his niece, whom he has brought up, his affections for her become confused and he crosses a fateful line, one that costs him dearly. This tragic masterpiece really has you transfixed from beginning to end, it’s visually stunning and totally overwhelming. Mark Strong is a real tour-de-force as Eddie and it really is one not to be missed. I’m hoping to see it takes home a prize in April at the Olivier’s.
I am really looking forward to the return of Let It Be later this week, I’ve not seen the production before and know it’s simply going to be a Beatle-fest. Growing up with a mega-fan Dad, I can’t wait to hear the live performances of their most infamous hits. The show relives their rise from humble beginnings at the Cavern Club in Liverpool to international success. I must try to stay seated as I’m sure I’ll want to be dancing in the aisles and throwing some Sixties shapes.
Now onto the Olivier Award Nominations, delivered by Lesley Manville and James McAvoy at the Rosewood, London, they announced this year’s stars of the stage who will be hopeful to pick up a glittering trophy at the iconic Royal Opera House in April.
After being blown away by The Nether last month, I am pleased to see they’re up for 4 awards including Best New Play and, deservedly so, an award for Es Devlin’s incredible set. This Morning Audience Award as voted for by you, has shortlisted Billy Elliot - The Musical, Jersey Boys, Matilda - The Musical and Wicked, all of whom I feel are worthy winners, although Wicked is one of my absolute favourite musicals I could watch time and time again. Best New Musical nods also go to Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Here Lies Love, Memphis - The Musical and Sunny Afternoon, I’m pretty sure that’s going to be super tricky category to pick.
Big congratulations to all nominated and looking forward to the most glittering date in the theatrical calendar. Who do you want to see win?
Have a theatre filled week!