I saw this play on A&E back in the 80’s, when A&E still stood for arts and entertainment. Mr. Pug recently read NN for the first time, so I ordered up the DVD of the play from Amazon and we have spent the last week watching it. Mr. Pug’s mind was blown.
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, this is a spectacular play which took place in the Old Vic in London over the course of several days (spectators had to return to see the play in its entirety). This production captured the feeling of a Dickens novel perfectly. The sets are minimal, but this is good because it’s the acting which merits the spotlight. Almost every actor took several parts, which gives them an opportunity to show how well these professionals were able to change themselves into entirely different people. There’s not a part which isn’t jaw-droppingly good, and some even upstage all the rest.
My favorite performances are Sir Mulberry Hawk/John Browdie, Ralph Nickleby, and Newman Noggs, although it’s hard to choose from such an assortment of brilliant portrayals.
Who else has seen this?