tue 10/12/2024

The Country Girl, Apollo Theatre | reviews, news & interviews

The Country Girl, Apollo Theatre

The Country Girl, Apollo Theatre

Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove elevate a wordy backstage drama

Terrific performances in a slight play: Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove in The Country Girl

Many theatregoers will be familiar with Clifford Odets’ Awake and Sing! which was given a recent revival both in the West End and on Broadway, or film-goers with his screenplay for Sweet Smell of Success (1957). Some will know his backstage drama The Country Girl (written in 1950) from the 1954 film version starring Grace Kelly, playing opposite Bing Crosby and William Holden, for which she won an Oscar.

Many theatregoers will be familiar with Clifford Odets’ Awake and Sing! which was given a recent revival both in the West End and on Broadway, or film-goers with his screenplay for Sweet Smell of Success (1957). Some will know his backstage drama The Country Girl (written in 1950) from the 1954 film version starring Grace Kelly, playing opposite Bing Crosby and William Holden, for which she won an Oscar.

‘The play suddenly catches fire in the last 20 minutes when Frank goes on a bender and all seems lost’

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At last - a reviewer who understands the play and this cast! Well worth seeing!

Saw the play Saturday evening, amazing acting from the whole cast. Was concerned about american accents at first but they really pulled it off, very professional.

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