'National Theatre Live: The Magistrate' (2013)
Opening thoughts: Season 4 was a good season of the National Theatre Live series (though not one of the best), with standouts being 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' and 'This House'. Even the weakest, 'Macbeth' was well worth watching though an acquired taste conceptually. 'The Magistrate' did sound very interesting and have always liked John Lithgow very much. Had no doubt he would do this role very well as it is one that sounds like it would play to his strengths as an actor.
This production of 'The Magistrate' turned out to be very good. It is not flawless, and the second half is quite a lot better than the first. It is a lot of fun though and very charming and well acted, with so many great things. As far as Season 4 goes, it is not quite one of the standouts but it was great to have and see something different from the likes of Shakespeare, Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller or stage versions of literary classics. And to see a different play done very well indeed.
Bad things: Did feel that some of the first act dragged a little in momentum, with it being a little too exposition heavy.
Not all the songs felt necessary either.
Good things: However, 'The Magistrate' is very well performed, with Lithgow clearly enjoying himself thoroughly and is a lot of fun to watch. He holds nothing back while not resorting to histrionics or mugging. Nancy Carroll manages to make her character very human and amiable, not easy to do with her character's lies being so outlandish which could have made her very annoying. All the supporting cast are fine. The staging is always tasteful and coherent, making the most of the comedy with wit and energy while not being too broad or vulgar. While also providing a lot of charm and heart.
While the first act has momentum issues at times, the second half is consistently involving, thanks to the drama being more eventful, and much of it is very funny. The script is on the most part very witty and smart, let down only by the too exposition heavy early portion. The sets and costumes are very handsome and recreates the period very lovingly. While not always necessary, the music is still very pleasant on the ear and tuneful as well as performed with gusto.
Closing thoughts: Summing up, very, very enjoyable.
8/10.
