Reviewed by Teresa Jones
We attended the opening night of Rough Crossing, written by Tom Stoppard, at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal last night and I’m afraid to have to say that Rough Crossing was a disappointingly rough watch. Even though there is an excellent cast of very talented actors they could not make this play any better.
The play is about a pair of writers on board a cruise ship to New York who are trying to finish a musical before they arrive and they are trying to save their friends love life at the same time because of a love triangle.
The first thing you see is the most wonderful set of a two-story art deco cruise ship designed by Colin Richmond and that is, I’m sad to say, the best part of the play.
The part of Dvornichek played by (Charlie Stemp) has the odd bit of comedy but even with such a talented actor as John Partridge playing the lead role of (Turai) he could not make the play any better. A lot of people did not return after the interval and there were a lot of unsatisfied comments around us using words like dire, rubbish, terrible and this is awful which is such a shame as the actors gave it their all.
The Theatre Royal is always a pleasure to visit it is easy to get to by car, train or bus as it is in the centre of Plymouth on Royal parade it has plenty of car parks nearby and a lot of different restaurants that will cater for everyone choice. The theatre also has a restaurant and a coffee shop in the foyer which sells a wide range of snacks drinks cakes and sweets. It is modern and clean with very pleasant and helpful staff.
We did get to see Plymouth’s latest work of art The Messenger which is being put into place at the entrance to the theatre and is a truly remarkable and large piece of art which I’m sure will get everyone talking.
Again, sorry to say this play was a sinking ship for me and it’s a 0/5 for this review.
Rating: 0/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £28 (booking fees may apply).
Rough Crossing is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 18-23 March 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222