'National Theatre Live: Young Marx' (2017)
Opening thoughts: The subject matter immediately intrigued me, with it detailing the early life of Karl Marx (a major yet controversial figure in his critiques of economics and class divides). As well as seeing how the subject would work as a play and how it would work as a farce. As a play, 'Young Marx' is quite interesting and witty. When it comes to farce, it is on the hit and miss side, when it hits it is a lot of fun but when it doesn't hit as well it is not so fun. Also saw it as an avid goer to opera, ballet and theatre live cinema broadcasts and as an admirer of Rory Kinnear.
Season 9 (2017/2018) was not a bad season at all. 'Follies' in fact was absolutely excellent and there was much to like about 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'. Same with the uneven 'Julius Caesar'. 'Macbeth' though was a real disappointment. 'Young Marx' is on the same level as 'Julius Caesar', with there being a lot to like about it (which is the lead performances and some funny moments). While also with things that don't quite come off, with not all the jokes landing, a couple of missed opportunities and uneven pacing.
Bad things: Beginning with the not so good things, the pacing is erratic. It goes at a very zippy pace, though there were times in the busier parts (some also on the complicated side) where it felt too relentless and like there was too much going on. Farcical humour is not easy to pull off consistently, some of the jokes could have been sharper and toned down with there being a trying too hard feel.
Which is reflected in the supporting performances, which fall into overblown cartoon territory. Would have liked the capitalist contradiction analysis delved into a good deal more, that was very under-played and gets lost amidst the farce.
Good things: However, a lot is good here. Kinnear brings a lot of zesty vigour and poignant compassion in the title role and Oliver Chris enjoys himself while being a forceful and sympathetic voice of reason. Loved the chemistry between the two and they and the play does so well at making them fascinating complex characters and showing how their minds worked. Nancy Carroll and Laura Elphinstone are noble presences too. It is a handsome looking production, with an imposing set and atmospheric lighting (personally didn't think it was too dark).
Nicholas Hytner's direction is a bit uneven rhythmically but he does very well at keeping the energy running on the whole and understanding what is needed to make this type of content work. There are some great set pieces, especially the hilarious and inventive one in the museum, and the more physical humour and use of props works very well too. The scripting is witty and insightful.
Closing thoughts: Overall, uneven but liked it a good deal.
7/10.
