'National Theatre Live: Mosquitoes' (2017)
Opening thoughts: Have for a long time loved viewing the live cinema streamings of the National Theatre Live series. So many gems in the series and very few misses, and what strikes me about watching these productions are how they are made available so accessibly while making one feel like they are there. Am always up for seeing something different to Shakespeare and other theatre standards, and 'Mosquitoes' couldn't have been more different in concept or kind of play.
Was really not sure how a play about science (my least favourite subject in school, could not get my head around information that came over as very complicated) would be interesting or accessible. Remarkably, 'Mosquitoes' manages to be both interesting and accessible, as well as entertaining and poignant. It isn't perfect, with it trying to cover too many themes. This is a wonderful production that not only brings the play to life but also elevates it.
Bad things: Everything to do with the two protons colliding is laid on a little too thick and didn't need to be as prominent as it was at times.
Good things: Otherwise, 'Mosquitoes' was absolutely excellent. The acting is one of the biggest strengths, with the heart-wrenching Olivia Colman (have always had a high opinion of her since 'Broadchurch') as a character that speaks a good deal of sense if not always going about it the best way being the standout. Olivia Williams has the meatier, more complex role and plays her with confidence and vulnerability. Their chemistry is off the charts. Amanda Boxer amuses and touches, while Joseph Quinn captures his character's naivety beautifully and Paul Hilton has a good deal of intensity.
There are some great lines throughout, ones that are genuinely funny, ones that really touch the soul and ones that provide a lot of enlightening insight into the subject. The story absorbs hugely, despite so much going on it is balanced very skilfully in the detailed stage direction and there is no issue following it. The stage direction is very detailed and intelligent, showing no signs of being phased by the ambitious material. Especially shining in the sisters' interaction.
Furthermore, the production looks great with very imaginative production design (most striking being the formidably omnipresent occulus) and atmospheric lighting.
Closing thoughts: Concluding, excellent.
9/10.
