THEATRE: THE GREAT
PREVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM
This is a playful and freewheeling re-imagining of the rise and reign of Catherine the Great of Russia, by Tony McNamara. The action spans the course of Catherine’s adult life, from sweet innocent abroad, through her marriage to a madman from whom she pries control, to her long reign as Russia’s tenacious and notorious Empress, the most powerful woman in the world.
Liz Alexander, who plays Catherine in her later life, says ‘she was a very modern thinker for her time, and even by today’s standards. She was highly intelligent, highly skilled as a politician, extremely well informed … To hold on to power for 35 years in Russia at the time was unheard of. She had people killed along the was – including her husband – but she was greatly loved.’
A contemporary take on her life, The Great explores the nature of love and power in the playwright’s distinctive comic style. It’s directed by Peter Evans and features two actors as Catherine: Robin McLeavy in Act 1 and Alexander in the second half, set 30 years later. The cast also features the great young actors Toby Schmitz, Ben Geurens and Mandy McElhinney.
McNamara’s most recent play was the popular The Give and Take. Other plays include The Cafe Latte Kid, The John Wayne Principle, The Recruit, The Virgin Mim and The Unlikely Prospect of Happiness. He has also written for television’s The Secret Life of Us and Love my Way, and wrote and directed the feature film The Rage in Placid Lake.
The Great
May 31-July 13
Sydney Theatre, Warf 1, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
$56-$77
Bookings: 9250 1777 / 132 849 or www.sydneytheatre.com.au/great
