Bouquets and Brickbats

A heavenly scent pervades the house and the goodies below are the culprits – well three of them at least. A brickbat is not quite so welcome and I think the overly harsh review by Charles Spencer – theatre critic of the Daily Telegraph – qualifies as a humdinger of one. ‘A night of theatrical torture’ is his take on ‘Madame de Sade’ at Wyndham’s theatre and ‘the kindest thing one can say about this cruelly punishing play is it’s lovely when it stops.’

All fair enough but where I take exception is when he makes a personal attack on actors. Actors are not brainless luvvies - they have feelings – if you prick them they bleed. Charles Spencer had great success with his description of Nicole Kidman as theatrical Viagra but when he describes one of our most distinguished actresses (is there any theatrical award she hasn’t won many times over) as coming ‘on in the formidable old-boot mode she has honed playing such roles as Queen Victoria, Lady Bracknell, Elizabeth 1 and M in the Bond movies, and spends the whole night looking grand, sour and cross.’ I wonder what on earth has rattled his cage.

‘The poor woman is also landed with a series of ridiculously elaborate frocks and wigs that make her look like one of those crinoline dolls Blackpool landladies use to cover up the spare lavatory roll.’

Shame on you Mr Spencer. Call me old-fashioned and I know you are expected to be contentious but show a little respect please.

I was sad to hear Dame Judi Dench fell and badly sprained her ankle when leaving the theatre and hope she will be back on stage before long.