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Equus
Theatre Royal Bath Productions

"Simon Callow
doesn’t convince
as a man
experiencing
a crisis of faith"
Shona Craven
Until February 16 2008 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow. Tel: 0870 060 6647.
www.theambassadors.com
Until February 18-23 2008 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 529 6000.
www.eft.co.uk
March 31 - April 5 2008 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 641122.
www.eft.co.uk
Have you seen this production? Share your views!
Comments
David Hepburn:
"The press criticisms of Callow's portrayal of Martin Dysart are unfair and misguided.
It seems that the Glasgow press would have preferred Callow to put his considerable acting sensibilities aside, forego the creation of a Martin Dysart for us and instead just give us the Burton turn we already know from the movie. I assume most of these reviewers have only seen the movie.
While Burton's cinematic Dysart was mesmerising and memorable in its own particular way, on closer analysis it rings less true than Callow's. The doubts and inner demons manifested in Callow's portrayal were, for my money, far more consistent with the kind of responses I would expect of a real child psychologist in professional crisis. Not the responses of a man on the verge of breakdown perhaps, but those of a decent, sociable and intelligent man who is genuinely doubting the value of his contribution to the well being of the children in his care.
Those responses are just as dramatic and ultimately more tangible. It shows a distinct lack of theatrical understanding to expect an artist of Callow's proven worth to tour the country offering nothing more than a two hour Burton impression."
Shona Craven:
"David, many thanks for your comments. Interestingly, I haven't seen the film, although I am sure many of the other critics have."
What the papers said:
The Herald:
*** "Dysart's inner demons are never fully channelled to Callow's far too chummy and boisterous turn ... When the play becomes truly transcendent, however, it's stunning stuff."
Metro:
**** "[Alfie Allen] turns in a riveting performances. Shaffer's play shows its 1970s roots, overburdened as it is by psychobabble... yet the piece still packs a strong punch."
The Scotsman:
"If the play has a weakness, it lies in this relentless foregrounding of Dysart... and if only the most subtle and searching of performances can make this aspect of the play work well, then that's hardly what it gets from Simon Callow"
Sunday Herald:
**** "Designer John Napier's exquisite metal designs... and Fin Walker's superb movement direction elevate brilliantly sustained performances from Allen and Callow."
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