At The Old Vic London - Norman Conquests

Posted by Charlene Bazzul

October 29, 2008

As the Old Vic Theatre is a historical landmark in the West End, I thought I would indulge my Canadian ignorance and see what it was all about. Expecting to enter a classic and beautifully preserved space, I was initially in dismay when I saw that the traditional stage had been reconstructed as a theatre round. Currently featuring the Norman Conquests, I suddenly became intrigued, realising that it was three shows in one – how decadent! So I decided to stick around to enjoy all three: Table Manners, Living Together and Round and Round the Garden. Little did I know I had just set aside the day to be spent in the theatre, but not to worry, these plays can be enjoyed together or separately. To my delight, I left the newly revamped Old Vic with pep in my step; this production is fantastic!

Boasting 5 star reviews, the Norman Conquests is showing until December 20th for a limited run. Director Matthew Warchus (Speed-the-Plow, God of Carnage and Lord of the Rings) brilliantly displays a quirky, free spirited librarian’s clouded attempt to make women happy by showering them with love.

For those of you who have yet to see the show (s) let me take you on a little verbal tour through the hilarious and interesting play that is The Norman Conquests. Broken into three interwoven productions: Table Manners, Living Together, and Round and Round the Garden; this trilogy involves six family members who have gone away to a country house together for a weekend. The action surrounds one character in particular, Norman (Stephen Mangan), who attempts to seduce his wife’s sister and his brother-in-law’s wife, while managing to keep his own spouse relatively happy. That’s right, not one but all the women in his life… talk about a scandal! After viewing all three plays - believe me, it’s much more than a story about a man who clearly has less in common with his own wife than he does Russell Brand.

Three Plays in One!

Each part of the production takes place in a different location. Table Manners is set in a dining room, Living Together in a sitting room, and Round and Round the Garden situated in the gardens of the country home. I was tickled pink as the story unfolded - the characters interact with one another oozing wit and frustration. Each location provides a different mood to explore; watch as Norman’s adulterous tendencies become not so secret to the other guests!

A couple questions to ask yourself while watching: are Norman’s efforts genuine or is he taking his nerdy Don Juan alter ego to the limit? How much damage will he inflict on the objects of his affection?

pic02 At The Old Vic London - Norman Conquests Overall, this contemporary depiction of a funny family reunion is a must see this autumn. As a “trilogy of masterpieces” (The Daily Express), The Norman Conquests explores issues of love, lonliness, sex and marriage. This is a highly accessible show with the ability to take you instantly through a pit of your own failed relationships, with a moment of clarity to follow; an insight into your own soul perhaps?

With tickets selling from £30 to see the individual productions, who knows, it may be cheaper than an overpriced psychologist or if you ARE like Russell Brand, a fortnight in a sex addiction clinic!

The best part is – the next time I’m back at the infamous Old Vic, it will be an entirely new experience. God I love the theatre!!!

London Theatre Tickets / Theatre Tickets

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