Beheadings at the National

Sat through the dreary Danton's Death the other night and, like everyone else, emerged with only one thought. How the hell did they cut off four heads in quick succession with the actors facing the sudience and the heads actually being severed (apparently) and plopping into the basket? I was in the front row and watching closely but I have no idea how it was done. Anyone know?

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I thought this thread meant that Hytner had been sacked.

Its not dreary! Its a good production of a umm heavy play. Did you care for The Prince of Homburg? I guess political theatre is about as popular as actual politics for most people

But yes I too wondered how they achieved the executions but do not want to know. Some tricks are best unknown.

I loved Danton's Death, but I'm biased. Favourite period in history? Check! Oram on design? Check! Cork on sound? Check! Austin on lighting? Well, no, but Constable is an acceptable alternative. Toby Stephens impersonating Eddie Izzard? Not what I usually look for in a play, but why not! I expected it to be among the worst things I've ever seen, and was pleasantly surprised when it... well, wasn't. XD

As for the trick, I don't know if you've ever seen The Prestige? My current theory is that they did the trick here the same way they did the big trick in that movie.

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mrkringas, I know what you mean about the Elector but I chalked it up to the magnetism and charm of Ian McDiarmid which somewhat tipped the balance.

What did you think of the "revised" ending?

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I agree.

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