What did you think of the show?
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theatreguys 
Juniper Blood
A strong play in every sense. Characters and subject matter. So much to take in and very topical. I found Lip’s character frustrating at times with his ‘go back to basics’ lifestyle ideas and maddening with his views regarding his daughter’s upbringing. I felt Ruth’s frustration. The actors were brilliant in all their roles. The play was like a radical, up-to-date version of ‘The Good Life’.
Thank you Fredo and Mike for another entertaining evening.
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Juniper blood.
I salute Mike Bartlett for the dramatic adaptation of the most important subject of our time that we are not having. I felt for Lips character, as he portrayed his position of “swimming against the tide” so well he said to Ruth “but you’re not happy”.
The conflicting opposites made for a gritty and absorbing play, which could be part of our history, if we survive that long.
Thanks for everything Fredo and Mike. This time, like others, enabling me to experience thought provoking stuff.
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Juniper Blood
A poignant play for our times, each character challenging each other’s views on the rights and wrongs on how we live and love in our lifetime – hoping to survive but also hoping the world survives for future generations to enjoy.
The Donmar always lends itself well to these thought provoking plays, you feel as if you’re a silent bystander (sometimes sitting at the table with them) deciding which way to turn.
Strong performances as mentioned in previous comments with powerful pauses between dialogue.
Thank you Fredo and Mike, we all thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the evening.
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Juniper Blood
I’m afraid this production wasn’t for me. The harsh lighting which, as seems to be the current fashion at the Donmar, remained on once the play started and the slow pace of the action didn’t get things off on the right foot. Most disappointingly, the characters did not seem to me to be fully rounded people but mouthpieces for Mike Bartlett’s obviously detailed research on the Important Issues under discussion.
The second act, where the two older male characters talked endlessly at Hattie Morahan’s character about themselves and their view of the world was when I started to lose patience. Why have an actor as talented as Ms Morahan in the play if all she is asked to do is react to mansplaining (which she does very well of course)? These issues might have been resolved in the third act but I’m afraid I didn’t wait around to find out.
On reflection, I’ve filed Juniper Blood on a growing list of what I am calling “self indulgent” plays. Big name authors, directors and actors are involved and, as noted above, Important Issues are discussed. The list includes Nye (the formation of the NHS), Inter Alia (how the courts handle rape cases) and now Juniper Blood (climate change and the crisis in modern farming). Of course, part of theatre’s purpose is to reflect back at us the world in which we live but is it just me that has felt when watching these plays recently that I’m listening to a TED talk rather than enjoying an entertaining and challenging production?
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Juniper Blood
The production is set on a farm owned by Ruth and Lip The property has been in Lip’s family for some time. He has a firm, if somewhat fanatical vision, of carrying on his family’s intention to develop the land to produce totally organic crops, and also of rewilding some of the land to encourage the return of wild life, such as deer. His partner Ruth the co-owner of the property, initially shares his vision. She has also invested significant amounts of her inheritance in the project.
In the first act they are visited by her step daughter, Milly, and her current boyfriend, Femi. Milly is highly cynical of the whole “Disneyland” pipe dream of the idyllic world which Lip and Ruth are attempting to recreate. Whilst Femi, who is studying ecology at Oxford, sees some merit in what they are trying to achieve. Although he is slightly more pragmatic and feels that capitalism and technology must be involved to a certain extent. Tony, who runs a neighbouring farm, joins them for dinner. He is firmly in the “GM crops” school. Fully in favour of the use of chemical fertilisers, which he believes is the only way that sufficient food will be produced to enable the World to continue to be fed. He also made plain that it is the only way that farmers will be able to make money. He made it known the he was financially successful using his methods….
I found it almost impossible to empathise with Lip. Whilst some of his his visions were attractive, they were also unrealistic. His partner, Ruth, was pregnant. Lip’s refusal to engage with modern medicine should it ever be required, displayed a sinister and selfish extremism which went far beyond what Ruth had ever imagined. My strong aversion to Lip is, of course, a tribute to the brilliant, powerful, and sometimes sinister performance of Sam Troughton. Ruth subsequently leaves Lip, convinced that his ideas for the farm are unworkable.
I have only specifically mentioned Sam Troughton as I felt most affected by his character. But the other members of the cast were also superb. Although perhaps just a quick mention for Jonathan Slinger, as the materialistically minded Tony who, during an after dinner discussion in which it was agreed that he had had a traumatic family upbringing, came out with the classic comment, “I thought I was a disastrous pr**ck. Turns out it’s not my fault”.
Yet another wonderfully immersive production from the Donmar. Whenever I leave this theatre after a show I always feel a bit privileged.
Again many thanks Fredo and Mike, slightly more poignant this time, for another hugely enjoyable evening.
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The trouble with getting older is that you don’t hear as well as you used to!! It’s not a question of volume, rather picking up diction when everybody is talking over each other. I mention this to reassure others “you are not alone”!!
Scene two with mostly just Ruth and Tony was so much easier to follow and I thought Femi’s monologue in the final scene was brilliant, covering so much we relate to today. An interesting play, but no resolution! I will continue to support the Donmar because their productions rarely (if ever) disappoint. Thank you, Theatreguys.
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Juniper Blood
I enjoyed this play immensely, totally absorbed from start to finish. The acting was superb, not a weak link in sight. I especially enjoyed Lip ( Sam Troughton) who managed to command the stage by saying very little .. and in the beginning .. nothing at all. Mesmerising performance.
There was so much truth in this play, often delivered with humour, but the tragic side drew me back, and I found myself conflicted. And involved.
Outstanding evening of theatre .. and to think I almost missed it!
Huge thanks to Fredo and Mike for making it possible.
Jill
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Juniper Blood
The play is set at Juniper Rise farm – with Lip and Ruth embracing the “Good Life” version of farming on the farm that Lip’s family had owned and farmed for generations. Ruth has invested heavily financially – her inheritance – to transform the farm, from something devoid of any life in the soil, to an organic, regenerative success.
Their ideals and dreams becomes the lively topic of debate over an outdoor dinner – their guests Ruth’s surly “damaged” ex step daughter Milly who thinks they are “Disney Farmers” – her friend Femi, a very bright rural ecology student who thinks they cannot escape capitalism, and Tony the next door farmer whose approach is totally pragmatic – profit at all cost; organic farming a luxury most farmers cannot afford.
What develops over the following 2 acts is the bigger question – what are you willing to sacrifice for your beliefs….??
Lip becomes radical to the extreme! Ruth now pregnant is exhausted and beginning to become fed up with Lip’s lofty visions not translating into any physical action. The breaking point in their relationship is when it becomes obvious Lip’s radicalism would jeopardise their unborn daughter’s life. Lips passionate belief in rewilding, no modern technology, no medical intervention, even to save their daughter….which is one sacrifice too far for Ruth…
Some years later, all the characters are back together on the now “run down” back to nature farm – where Ruth backed by all but Milly (who has converted to Lip’s way of living and thinking) has come to save the farm from total destruction – for the long term benefit & inheritance of their daughter.
For me the play didn’t quite resolve and maybe that is the point….the deadlock between their ideals continues…
The debate of course should continue! In a world where without bees we will starve, but where pesticides produce cheaper food to feed the ever increasing multitude….
Fantastic acting – great dialogue and dare I say it …a play that gives us “Food for Thought”
Thank you Fredo and Mike for introducing me to the Donmar and encouraging me to be a friend…never been disappointed!
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EVITA
I was lucky enough to take my 3 daughters to the last night of Evita – a show we all love.
It was such an amazing evening from arriving to a very excited audience, and when the orchestra started to play the whole theatre erupted.
I absolutely loved every minute – the superb orchestra, the energetic dancers and naturally the outstanding Eva Peron. I was a bit dubious about the balcony scene, but with hundreds outside watching it really felt she was addressing her descamisados. It was also lovely to see her face up close.
One of my all time favourite theatre experiences and my arms are still aching from the 7-8 minute ovation.
Penny
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Stereophonics
A super production of Stereophonics in our opinion. The attention to details was great and transported us back to that era. The timings used by the actors were spot on. This was particularly noted in the pauses during conversations and particularly during the arguments between the characters. It was so natural. To then experience such brilliant musicianship from the same actors was quite remarkable and came as a surprise. We both thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and have been telling others about it. So thank you Fred for this recommendation.
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Hercules
Pantomimes are fun. The children in front of us appeared enthralled with the performance. Hades the villain and his the amazing monster beasts where the puppet handlers added to the enjoyment with some handling difficulties and best of all the five muses giving us so many fabulous costume changes as they sang so wonderfully together almost as a comic act but sadly I couldn’t catch the words a bit too loud for me.
Exceptional stage sets. An enjoyable vibrant pantoplay.
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Hercules
What a spectacular show….suberb costumes, wonderful sets…two hours of complete escapism!
Highlight of the show ….the five Muses..popping up with a jazzed up version of the ‘plot’.
Thank you Fredo and Mike
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Stereophonic
It is largely acknowledged that this “fictionalised show” is really about the making of the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours.
It starts with the band wrapping up their recording session…..only to discover that they have suddenly become famous following a hit with their previous album – their production company give them unlimited time and lots of money to continue their musical journey…
Well the long journey that followed was tortuous and toxic to say the least. Drugs, alcohol, coercive controlling relationships, chauvinism, insecurities and ever expanding egos….what a cocktail!
A really talented cast of singers and musicians took us through all of the above with some good music to support, although at times it was very repetitive and it did drag slightly – that is how these musicians achieved their musical magic.
Thank goodness for the two sound engineers who were at times the only voice of reason….
Thank you Fredo and Mike once again.
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Hercules
Greek tragedy comes good….with lots of action along the way – definately not suitable for classical scholars!
Disney productions don’t stint on the staging and effects but for me the best thing about this production were the muses – acting as the guide to the “story” their gospel style singing was for me the highlight of the show.
Many thanks Fredo and Mike
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Stereophonic
We didn’t know what to expect but we weren’t disappointed . The theme was based on Fleetwood Mac and their breakup following their number one hit .The influence of drugs and alcohol having an affect on their relationships also the ego of the front man. The recording producer and mixer Grover ( excellently played by the understudy Sam Denia) who lied his way into being hired became a major contributor to band’s success.The only slight disappointment was that excellent music and vocals was restricted to the first half but the story had to be told in sequence.
Thank you for a super afternoon at the theatre.
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Monica and Robin
Hercules.
It was a vibrant and spectacular show along with the special effects and all the cast having a good time including the audience.
Our trips always gives us something. A fun evening though noisy….for us ‘oldies’?
Thank you again Fredo and Mike for all our trips.
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Hercules
The set and costumes were fantastic and agree it was like a pantomime and the two men were playing the ugly sisters roles. The cast were very good and enthusiastic. It was still enjoyable but a little loud. It obviously had a following as most of the audience were clapping and cheering from the start.
Thank you both
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Hercules:
Very vibrant, fabulous costumes and superb voices, but too loud and I had absolutely no idea what was going on!!!!!! I agreed with Fredo that it was like a pantomime and that I’m getting too old for this! Another evening, another experience. But it has to be said the cast were very enthusiastic. Jean
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Till the Stars Come Down
A late comment from the “intellectual” half of the coach…..
I agree with some earlier comments, I think the production would have had a greater impact if performed in a more intimate space, and perhaps those members of the audience sitting on the stage experienced that. Dialogue was tricky to hear at times and that may have been more difficult due to regional & foreign accents.
I think the production themes have been accurately described previously so I won’t go into great detail. There was so much going, on not only on stage but in the background – that trying to unravel all the interwoven strands was at times hard work. Having said that the acting was excellent and it was refreshing that the women got the great one liners….Aunty Carol stole many of the scenes 😂
All I can say is I am glad I wasn’t invited to this wedding….
Thank you Fredo & Mike for taking us to so many different theatre experiences…
My next review will be for Hercules – chalk and cheese comes to mind….
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‘Till the stars come down
As always Fredo thank your for necessary homework information.
There was a lot of uninhibited pre-wedding turmoil and banter and then enter Aunty Carol who was superb in family relationship ‘tidying up’. In the second half through the influence of alcohol and prejudice we saw with powerful acting the sisterly close knit bonds unravel, the brothers never to be reconciled and the family unit collapse into horrific shouting and we were left to consider its possible fate as the set closed down. I gasped then. I chatted with Mike and decided that overall I saw the play as a bit too populist to achieve high stars.
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