We went to see ‘The Judas Kiss’ by David Hare, which was
playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre. It had unreservedly good reviews and, as
per the reviews, was indeed excellent.
The play focused on Oscar Wilde’s later years, while he was
being tried, and afterwards, once he had served his prison sentence and was
living, impecunious, in Naples. As you might imagine by its title, the central theme
of the play was betrayal—largely the betrayal of Wilde by his lover of the
time, Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie). Another prominent theme was that of ageing, with the
vitality and inconstancy of youth (personified by Bosie) contrasted sharply
with the slower pace and resigned acceptance of one’s fate that is more typical of middle age
(personified by Wilde).
Rupert Everett played Wilde and he was superb. His portrayal
of the spent, stooped playwright was utterly convincing. Hare’s dialogue was
witty and razor sharp and, predictably, Everett’s delivery proved spot on. It
was a sparkling performance and my husband and I left the theatre feeling
highly satisfied and with plenty to talk about. Always a good sign!
If you are able get tickets, I would definitely recommend seeing ‘The Judas Kiss’.
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