National Theatre Live: Threepenny Opera
It is utterly vulgar, ridiculously camp, irresponsibly amoral, absolutely hilarious and thoroughly entertaining. Threepenny Opera by Bertholt Brecht and Kurt Weill is a raucous unrelenting romp through debauchery and crime. Written in 1928, it feels like the naughtier, less restrained grandfather of Cabaret and The Rocky Horror Show.
The recent production by the prestigious National Theatre in London has been filmed and made available in cinemas as part of the NT Live series. With various camera views, high production values and excellent sound recording, cinema goers will feel one with the live audience – to the extent that they’ll join in the applause.
Backstage interviews and glimpses behind-the-scenes help inform and enhance the experience. The cast is all very strong, with Rory Kinnear as Captain MacHeath, George Ikediashi as the balladeer, Nick Holder as Mr Peachum and Haydn Gwynne as Mrs Peachum particular stand outs.
This is definitely not for everyone’s palate, but those who have a taste for boundary-pushing bawdiness will find this delicious. (RB)
★★★★
Nov 12 & 13, 2.30pm. Randwick Ritz, 45 St Paul St, Randwick. $15- $25. Tickets & info: www.ritzcinema.com.au
BY RITA BRATOVICH
