Thursday 1 November, 19:00
By William Shakespeare
5 STARS The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard
4 STARS Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail, Financial Times, Time Out, The Times
“A perfect parable for our times in Nicholas Hytner’s exhilarating production featuring a compelling central performance by Simon Russell Beale.” – The Guardian
“Fast, venomously satirical.” - Daily Mail
“Pure and Powerful” – Evening Standard
“Mischievous energy. Stunning” –The Times
“Nicholas Hytner has seized the cynical, disillusioned day. He hurls Timon into the 21st century and finds it lands there almost perfectly.” - Daily Telegraph
Wealthy friend to the rich and powerful, patron of the arts, ostentatious host, Timon of Athens showers gifts and hospitality on the city’s elite. He vastly outspends his resources but, finding his coffers empty, reassures his loyal steward that all will be well.
Methinks I could deal kingdoms to my friends,
And ne’er be weary.
When he calls upon his erstwhile associates, instead of offering help, they hang him out to dry. After a final, vengeful banquet, Timon withdraws to a literal and emotional wasteland, living off roots and pouring ever more surreal curses on a morally bankrupt Athens.
I am Misanthropos and hate mankind.
For my part, I do wish thou wert a dog
That I might love thee something.
Simon Russell Beale takes the title role in Shakespeare’s strange fable of conspicuous consumption, debt and ruin, written in collaboration with Thomas Middleton. Part of the World Shakespeare Festival, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company for London 2012 Festival.
This performance is rated 12A. It is not suitable for anyone under the age of 12 unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Read more, in this stellar review in The Observer.
