The Real Thing

Thank you for inviting me to your production of The Real Thing, Tom Stoppard’s play within a play which combines themes of love, adultery, and truth. There are several creative layers to the play which is witty and fast paced and challenges the audience to think about when is love the real thing?

Directing a Tom Stoppard play is no easy task and this one with a play within a play is no exception. The play was well cast, and the director had obviously worked hard with them on understanding the dialogue, their characterisations, and the relationships between the characters. Despite this being a complex plot, the cast clearly understood the intricacies of their characters and worked well together, keeping the audience’s attention throughout the twists and turns.

The use of 1980’s period furniture and properties was authentic and set against simple blacks as a backdrop worked well. The costumes were also of the period and had been carefully chosen to complement each character. The cast were well supported by the backstage crew who managed the complex scene changes smoothly and the lighting and sound effects were appropriate and well cued.

Thanks again and I look forward to your next production.

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