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  • Articles by Mary

    Here Lies Love at the National Theatre


    There are good tunes and good performances in Here Lies Love.  And while the story may lack depth, this version of the life of Imelda Marcus is entertaining and engaging.   But in trying to create an “experience” David Byrne and Alex Timbers have created a staging which distracts rather than enthrals.  The gallery of the double decked audience spends the fast paced ninety minutes staring down at the top of the actors’ shoes and their umbrellas.  The repeated repositioning  of the downstair audience resembles serial kettling when viewed from above, and the distractingly well lit faces of the conscripted dancers sometimes reflects this.  A worthwhile aspiration but not quite successful.