I sometimes feel that I dont take advantage of some of what London has to offer. I have been told year after year that I must see this West End play and that West End play and I always respond in the same way - nodding fervently saying yes yes I need to book tickets. I honestly intend to follow their advice and see the play but sadly life takes over and I never get round to sitting down and booking the damn ticket.
Thankfully Easter is the perfect opportunity (opposed to the maximum stress of Christmas) to take time to explore London's theatre scene.
'The Judas Kiss' was mentioned to me by my parents, who happened to see it a couple of weeks ago. They explained it is simply unmissable, starring Rupert Everett as the leading role playing Oscar Wilde. Mum cheekily added that there happened to be rather a lot of male nudity - how did she know that would grab my attention?!!
After booking tickets for me, my godmother and my brother (not mentioning the theatrical nudist males that awaited him), we all became incredibly excited about the coming Friday evening's cultural endeavours.
Arriving early, we headed to my favourite Italian restaurant in the West End,
Giovanni's. My reasoning behind this bold statement is twofold. Giovanni's serves the most spectacular food: pasta, risotto, meat, fish, you name it, they supply the best version of it. Another reason is the fact that it is a (relatively) well kept secret. It's hidden within a tiny passage just off the main street where all the theatre's are clustered. Basically if you didn't know it was there you wouldn't just stumble across it. They serve you quickly (perfect if you need to make a quick dash for the theatre) but the food is always cooked to perfection. I'm not the only person who believes in Giovanni's greatness - celebrities from all over the world reside in this little Venetian restaurant, hiding away from the busy London streets before seeing plays. Trust me the walls are covered in signed photos, you can't escape the stare of 'The Hoff' when you are tucking into your Carbonara!
Ok sorry enough about the supper, now onto the play.
Held in a beautiful theatre called the Duke of York, David Hare presents his adaptation of The Judas Kiss.
The play depicts the relationship between Oscar Wilde and his beloved Lord Alfred Douglas. Everett and Fox, who play each of the two main characters were sensational, you felt the depth to their relationship, it was simply flawless. I have never witnessed such wit and humour singed with overwhelming melancholy. The play is genius and personally I feel it is unmissable.
Sadly it all came to an end, much to the whole theatre's dismay.
As we were leaving I was told off by my brother for not mentioning that there was a good deal of full frontal male nudity...
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| Teehee |
Hugo's misfortune was mine and my godmother's fortune!
Despite my telling off, we all loved it and raved about it all the way home.
The London Gossip x
The Judas Kiss
Duke of York's Theatre
http://www.thejudaskiss.co.uk/
