• About
    • Guest Posts
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact

My London Guide

An Insiders Guide to London

  • What’s On
    • Fun London
    • London Events
  • Food & Drink
  • Theatre
  • Fashion
  • Sports
    • Health and Beauty
You are here: Home / Theatre / Review: Damned By Despair at the National Theatre

Review: Damned By Despair at the National Theatre

Where do I start?  This is possibly the worst thing I have seen on stage in the last few years. I am so incensed that I am writing this as I exit the theatre.

The writer must be completely deranged. This is how the official sites describes it

by Tirso de Molina
in a new version by Frank McGuinness

Taking gloriously unexpected turns as it follows the intertwined fates of two strangers, this fast-paced story is brought to vivid life in Frank McGuinness’ new version.

This play was considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Golden Age about the pious Paulo who has been told by the Devil masquerading as an angel that is fated to meet the same end as Enrico, a Neopolitan thug. The original play explores faith, redemption and forgiveness.

The play starts off in a different era, in 17th Century medieval costume and the first 3 actors on stage are not bad. Within 5 minutes, it all starts to collapse. The play then it transforms into a very bad gangster pastiche, the very oddly camp lead gangster Enrico is played by Bertie Carvel. Think Vinnie Jones cissified.

At this point I am so put off, especially the scene where he batters some poor sod to death, we get a great view of his backside but thankfully no builders cleavage as this was shielded by some equally camp animal print pants. His own or part of the wardrobe, who knows?

The whole cast then comes on in contemporary clothes and leading lady Celia, played by Leanne Best, has changed from her long satin medieval gown into a body con con dress. In the last scene she was in her medieval costume and her ganster was in contempary clothes. Bizarre. Not sure how this helps to tell the story. At some point, swat teams absail down onto the stage. What is the point of that?

By now I was totally distracted and distressed. I can’t follow the story . I have no idea what is going on.

I had to leave at the interval. Could not bear to sit through the second half. It seems they have cut the running length by 30 minutes. Not sure it helps. The usher tells us that the baddie reforms and the pious hermit then meets a nasty end that was awaiting the gangster.

This was not the quality I expect from a National Theatre production. Whatever it is, it’s uncomfortable, confusing and a waste of an evening. Have no idea what the director was thinking.

AVOID!

National Theatre,
South Bank,
London,
SE1 9PX.

Box Office 020 7452 3000

Here is another funny review with similar sentiments but they managed to suffer it through to the end.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FacebookInstagramTwitter

Recent Posts

  • Kite Flying Festival Hampstead London
  • Lego X Yinka Ilori Laundrette of Dreams
  • Pic of the Day London
  • 5 Most Romantic Restaurants in London
  • Review- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Sections

  • What’s On
    • Fun London
    • London Events
  • Food & Drink
  • Theatre
  • Fashion
  • Sports
    • Health and Beauty

Latest Tweets

Tweets by MyLondonGuide
Mounted police in Covent Garden

Pic of the Day London

Mounted police in Covent Garden on Neal Street. They are such a tourist magnet so it's impossible to take a picture without a crowd of people taking selfies with … [Read More...]

mylondonguide

mylondonguide
Head down to the south bank today for some free ta Head down to the south bank today for some free tacos and a #mezcal #cocktail @herdezmexico just launched in the Southbank, authentic Mexican flavours and a well loved brand. 
.
.
.
#travel #instatravel #mlgtravel #instapassport #londonigers #igerslondon #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #writetotravel #londonisopen #foodlover #eaterlondon #mexicanfood
Visit the stunning #AfricaFashion exhibition @vamu Visit the stunning #AfricaFashion exhibition @vamuseum . Beautifully curated, showcasing mid 30th century creatives, from music, fashion to visual arts. 
A must visit, historic show. 
#londonfashion
#fashion #Fashionphotography #letsdolondon #lovelondon
Instagram post 17908981550302269 Instagram post 17908981550302269
🍂 ‘Why fit in when you were born to stand ou 🍂 ‘Why fit in when you were born to stand out’ 🍂
🍂
@maddoxgallery ’s new exhibition ‘A Load of Fuss About Fuck All’ is celebrating 10 years of @connorbrothersofficial 
.
.
.
.

#fallvibes #cornersofmyworld #travel #travelphotography #wanderlust #citiesoftheworld #doyoutravel #tasteintravel #cntraveler #iamatraveler #guardiantravelsnaps #citysightseeing #cityexplore #cityscene #visitlondon #thisislondon #timeoutlondon #lovethiscity #prettycitylondonhomes #forbestravelguide #tlpicks #🍁 #london #citybreak #accidentallywesanderson #hellofrom #prettycitylondon #capturequiet #underthefloralspell
It’s pumpkin season. Love how everyone is decora It’s pumpkin season. Love how everyone is decorating their homes in #autumn colours. 
Also, it #halloween 👻🧙‍♀️🍂
.
.
.
#travel #instatravel #mlgtravel #instapassport #londonigers #igerslondon #itssolondon #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #nottinghill #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #writetotravel #londonisopen #londonvisitof
The latest art in @coventgardenldn are these ballo The latest art in @coventgardenldn are these balloon dogs by @himwhatshisname for @castlegalleries . 

Castle Fine Art has partnered with the Blue Cross pet charity for the duration of the project to help support sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets across the UK. To donate for free, snap a picture with the balloon dogs and post on with the hashtag #castle4bluecross. 

.
.
.
.
#travel #instatravel #mlgtravel #instapassport #londonigers #igerslondon #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #writetotravel #londonisopen #londonvisitof
It snowed in London. ❄️ It’s so rare that we It snowed in London. ❄️ It’s so rare that we get snow and everyone goes a bit nuts. It was busy on the Millenium Bridge this morning. View of St Paul’s. #snowinginLondon #Snowing❄️

#travel #instatravel #mlgtravel  #londonigers #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonisopen
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May you have a Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May you have a fabulous day, lots of turkey,all the trimmings around lots of love. London is beautifully dressed for Christmas. Gorgeous lights, trees and decor all around town. Here is the @claridgeshotel gorgeous tree with their special train. #christmasinlondon #instatravel #mlgtravel #instapassport #londonigers #igerslondon #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #londonisopen #jessopschristmaschallengeday25
It’s cold out there. Are you braving the winter It’s cold out there. Are you braving the winter weather to do your #Christmas shopping? I prefer to stay at home, cosy, by the fireplace, reading a book on the pink velvet chair #savillschristmas @savills @smallluxuryhotels @libertylndngirl #christmasinlondon #luxinteriors
London is looking festive. All dressed up in #Chri London is looking festive. All dressed up in #Christmas glitz. @burlingtonarcade is the place to shop if you want #luxury, #British made goods. There’s bespoke shoes, jewellery, cashmere, high end watches and fashion. Something for everyone. Have a chat with one of the guards at either end. There are so many quirky rules for the arcade like “No whistling” except for one named little boy. LoveLondon and all its eccentricities. #instatravel #mlgtravel #instapassport #londonigers #igerslondon #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #writetotravel #londonisopen #londonvisitof
This weekend is the #regentstreetmotorshow . Lots This weekend is the #regentstreetmotorshow . Lots of classic cars and veteran cars to see. Wave the veteran cars off for the #londontobrighton race today.  #mlgtravel #mylondon #londonigers #igerslondon #carlovers. #classiccarshow #womenwhoexplore #guardiancities #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #thisislondon #lovelondon #wearetravelgirls #girlswhotravel #huffpostgram #prettycitylondon #prettylittlelondon #londonislovinit #writetotravel #londonisopen #londonvisitor
Annabels, all dressed up for #chelseaflowershow wi Annabels, all dressed up for #chelseaflowershow with lots of pink peonies. I love the door men’s blue flower suits too.
Millennium Bridge at dusk with a view of St Paul's Millennium Bridge at dusk with a view of St Paul's cathedral. Such an iconic view of London.
Tower Bridge in the morning, backlit with the morn Tower Bridge in the morning, backlit with the morning sun. If this walk across London Bridge is your daily commute, you'll fall in Love with London daily. #lovelondon #londonisopen
Love this silhouette. Flare lace trousers, sumptuo Love this silhouette. Flare lace trousers, sumptuous lace top @rohmir_ ##ss18collection #lfwss18
Cutty Sark. In all its splendour. Greenwich is ful Cutty Sark. In all its splendour. Greenwich is full of maritime wonders. Well worth a visit . The Maritime Museum, the Queens House, The greenwich Meridien. Full of historical significance.
Iconic Tower Bridge on a sunny day. #towerbridgelo Iconic Tower Bridge on a sunny day. #towerbridgelondon #londonisopen #londonislovinit
Buskers on the circle line. Livening up the tube j Buskers on the circle line. Livening up the tube journey. #londonisopen
South bank in springtime #london🇬🇧 #blueskie South bank in springtime #london🇬🇧 #blueskies
When the sun's out, Londoners come out to play #hy When the sun's out, Londoners come out to play #hydepark #londonisopen #lovelondon
Load More Follow on Instagram
clos-maggiore-Covent Garden

5 Most Romantic Restaurants in London

By Leave a Comment

… [Read More...]

curious-incident of the dog at nighttime

Review- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Leave a Comment

… [Read More...]

Barbican Centre Banksy Art for Basquiat

Banksy’s homage to Jean Michel Basquiat with 2 new pieces at the Barbican Centre

By Leave a Comment

… [Read More...]

Affiliate Disclosure

My London Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Latest Posts

  • Kite Flying Festival Hampstead London
  • Lego X Yinka Ilori Laundrette of Dreams
  • Pic of the Day London
  • 5 Most Romantic Restaurants in London
  • Review- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Tags

Air New Zealand airnzhobbit Buddha Bar cocktails Craster cycling Eton Boys Free London Gangnam Style Golden Globes harrods K-pop Kalix Löjrom Knightsbridge Lapland London London 2012 London Theatre london theatre reviews lulea Madonna mexican Northumberland olympics 2012 picadilly circus. pop up pop ups Psy queue Red Cottages Royal Wedding Seahouses Sophie's Steakhous street food tennis Theatre The Dessert Deli The Hobbit tour de france trafalgar square videos Vivienne Westwood Wimbledon Yelloween Youtube

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
    • Guest Posts
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy

Affiliate Disclosure

My London Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.