The Audience previews — Page 2

This is a terrific character study essayed by a tremendous actor, not a great play. But it doesn't parade itself as a great play but rather as a star vehicle for a world class actor. No harm done.

I'm looking forward to seeing The Audience. Helen Mirren is amazing. I've seen all of her Queen Elizabeth films. I am a history major, so I am familiar with some of the British PM's. I have seen the real Queen Elizabeth II live (way back in 1991) when she visited Austin, TX.

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'have seen the real Queen Elizabeth II live (way back in 1991)'

this made me lol

I think that only reason she did the age limit was because of how cold it was out that night. She probably felt as if people that young could wait for, she should sign. I've heard that over in the West End she came out a lot, and would think that she would also come out over here. I think that it was just the cold.

'In other words more British crap that the critics will go gaga for. Other than historians of British history, who even knows or cares about the Prime Ministers of the UK? Sounds like something to nap through. 2 1/2 hours????????? Constellations at 1 hour was too long for me.'

Ok, this is an ongoing thing here in the UK, a conversation many have about people like you. Believe it or not UK audiences like to embrace things about other cultures and countries, we like to learn, we find interesting things in things that divide us and are different to us. Politics etc is included in that. SOME in America, especially when it comes to the arts seem so utterly baffled at how a show dealing with something historical or factual that is not about their own country could possibly dare to show it's face in the states. It's ludicrous, a whole world exists outside the US, art is a way to engage with that. I only seem to hear it on this board when it comes to shows like this, I never hear 'oh god that play about (insert Anerican here) could never play here in the UK. Hell most of the US plays have played the UK and many of them deal with a social climate that is far more American than it is British.

The West Wing TV show was all about US politics yet we loved it here, it was fascinating to see how something other than our own country operates. Most of our big TV shows are US imports (we don't remake them we actually watch your versions because we don't have trouble understanding or relating because we have embraces US culture). It infuriates me making out that UK work about UK themes should not be on Broadway etc.

Of course if you have no interest at all in 'British Crap' then don't go, but it saddens me that you can't take as much interest and fascination in other countries and cultures.

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AfterEight: analogizing the relationship between the president and congress to the relationship between monarch and the prime minister is wildly inapt.

saw this in london -- put me down for "captivating". taking my mom for mothers day -- just hope "tweaked" for the US doesn't mean "dumbed down".

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Princeton...it IS true. Just out of curiousity, is it humorous to you because it sounds funny on the surface....or do you think I'm pulling a "Brian Williams"? When I get home, I'll get those pictures and post them. I was not "thisclose"....but close enough in the crowd. She wore something yellow. Ann Richards was governor at the time. Bless her heart...she is very much missed.

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Updated On: 2/18/15 at 11:55 AM

My favorite British Queens are: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Mary I (except for the burnings), Elizabeth I and maybe Queen Victoria. Helen Mirren is virtually unsurpassed in her portrayals of QE I and II.

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"Ok, this is an ongoing thing here in the UK, a conversation many have about people like you."

Please don't view U.S. audiences as a whole by the comments of a few individuals on here who never seem to have a good word to say about anything and compensate for their lack of intellectual curiosity about what is happening in the world by playing the "what do I give a crap about blah blah blah" card.

Personally, I can't wait to see this. Beyond Helen Mirren, they've assembled a strong supporting cast and if the show is well done, it should be a fascinating look at events that have shaped the last 60 years.

My favourite British Queen,is Stephen Fry.

Another one for you to hate, when it comes over. King Charles III, another terrific play. Perhaps the haters should stick to 'Wolf Hall'. It's very American, in that it's fast and loose with historical facts & plays like a soap opera.
Just remember, without the 'garbage' from London taking up theatres. The Disneyfication of Broadway would soon be complete.

Here are the pictures I took of QEII when she visited Austin in 1991. There are only 3 pictures.

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