I’m delighted you got to see David live on stage and to meet him after, Rose. So exciting for you.
I’ve enjoyed reading your report. I saw the
La Bete on Saturday evening with my husband and we both loved it.
First of all the set had me drooling. It’s a book lover’s paradise. Virtually the whole play is set in a library. Lined on all sides floor to ceiling with books. A woman coined the word
bookgasm on Twitter. Well I had what she was having. Fortunately on Saturday night nothing fell down.
I thought the play was remarkable - strange, unexpected, hilarious, clever, thought provoking, poignant. Mark Rylance is an absolute hoot. What an actor, playing the role just the right side - or was it the wrong side - of sanity. Valere, boorish yet vulnerable. He had us and the rest of the audience in stitches. Back in row H my old ears didn’t hear the farting but I did hear the belching.
Early on it’s a tough gig for David. Re-acting for 30 minutes during the incredibly funny Valere’s meandering monologue - but I can’t think of anyone who could do it better. Someone said David’s face is worth the ticket. Well I
would agree, of course, but he’s the absolute master of facial expression and subtle movement. Disdain, horror, barely suppressed rage, quiet desperation. At times those spaniel eyes close to tears. Elomire, pompous yet vulnerable.
As a fan I’m predisposed to watch David, but I know from my husband and others I spoke to that he drew people to him, quite a feat when he had no lines and was playing opposite Mark Rylance who was giving his own acting master class. What a pleasure and a privilege to see these two special actors on stage together. Stephen Ouimette was great as Elomire’s side kick, Bejart and looked suitably aghast. Yes, Rose that bit when Elomire takes Bejart’s hand is wonderful. The look on his face - priceless.
We feel their shared pain.
As a DHP fan however, I was pleased and somewhat relieved when Elomire was finally allowed to talk. I quite agree, Rose, Elomire’s rousing speech towards the end is special. Powerful. I’ve never had the opportunity to see David act like that and it was wonderful. Shakespeare, David, Shakespeare - please!
Most reading this will know the play’s themes. I’m not giving anything away if I say we have high art versus popular entertainment, idealism versus realism and how far one should compromise. It’s subject matter our family geekily loves to discuss anyway. There is more too but you'll have to go and see it. The play is rich with words. It requires the audience to be fully engaged. I’d love to read the script. Not a show for the chicken bucket crowd (she said pretentiously).
I think that fans of Joanna Lumley will be disappointed that she has relatively little to do, even if as the princess her role was vital to the plot.
I loved the rhyming couplets. They gave the play musicality and often resulted in much hilarity. No-one can say, ‘no!’ like David. ;D I thought the supporting cast was very good. And a special mention for David’s hair - you’ve seen the pictures but it’s gorgeous.
The curtain calls were special. David and Mark were so warm towards each other and towards the audience. Sweet!
Yes, we ended up at the stage door. We actually thought Joanna Lumley was very friendly. My husband wanted a photo with her and I was about to take it when I realised the camera was set to video. She said to my husband, “oh, we’ll have to move about and started shaking her head crazily.” David came out after 35 minutes or so. He was wearing a smart jacket and I remember looking down and thinking, “he’s wearing shoes!” All the other times I’ve met him he’s worn trainers (sneakers). (Oh wait - he probably wore shoes after the last
Curtains show.) Anyway, it's unusual.
Someone asked about a
Frasier reunion to which he replied, “no, just reruns”. David was his usual quietly friendly self – the people beside us waiting for autographs were very quiet and he jokily asked if no-one wanted to ask him a question, which made them all laugh, breaking the silence. Brits! When he got to me he recognised me – I’ve met him quite often. He kindly signed a photo I’d had taken with him previously (I tend to do that) and I congratulated him on the show and told him how much we’d enjoyed it and the subject matter. Then I noticed my husband pointing the camera at us. I hadn’t been thinking of another photo with me in it and kind of hesitated. Then David said, “ok then - but I’m not signing this one!”. I said it was a deal. Fun banter. I took a picture of David with my husband – we’ve not got one of those - and he signed the programme. I have a drawer full of photos and autographs - oh and a signed teddy bear! David said goodnight to everyone and walked up the road.
Disappointingly Mark Rylance didn’t come out, at least not while we were waiting and everyone eventually dispersed. When we finally set off for our hotel we saw David standing outside the pub on the corner across the road from the theatre too, Rose. He was with some of the supporting cast. It’s obviously his ‘local’. I love that he’s so unpretentious. We decided to go to a different pub.
All in all an unforgettable evening. The play is probably not what you're expecting but do see it if you possibly can.
Pictures to follow, if I can remember how to upload them. It's been a while.
I’ve enjoyed reading your report. I saw the La Bete on Saturday evening with my husband and we both loved it. 
It's so cool that he recognises you by now!!And I kinda really,really love that smart jacket!!The play is seriously very good,it surprised me on so many levels and actually surpassed my expectation!And yeah,David should definitely do Shakespeare!!