King Lear at Donmar Warehouse

By Fiorenzo Cecere

The Donmar Warehouse’s production of King Lear was absorbing and thoroughly enjoyable. Derek Jacobi’s performance is probably one of the very best I am privileged to have witnessed. If he does not bag an Olivier or any other award this year, then there’s something seriously wrong with theatre awards.

Admittedly, I am not a big fan of Shakespeare (Gasp! Horror!), and I do not find it ideal to watch Shakespeare on a Monday night. I may be speaking for myself, but I never find it easy to get used to those strange words, especially when some actor speaks way too quickly, or different sets of dialogue overlap (thank goodness for the captions!). But, Jacobi’s mesmerising performance (and the rest of the cast were as superb, too) made this production engrossing to watch, especially when they were almost within touching distance, which made you feel you were practically on the stage. And the captioner did a fine job dealing with the demanding language.

Sitting near me were John Major and his wife, flanked by two bodyguards (probably); sitting opposite me was Maureen Lipman. The vast majority of the audience gave the cast a standing ovation, which is probably almost unheard of, given the compact size of the auditorium! As many of my friends (mainly hearing) are still trying to get hold of a ticket, I know
in future I will look back and say: “I was there.” An unforgettable night.