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Lucy
Junior Member
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I would like to post a terribly sad farewell to Jonathan Pryce who is leaving the show at the end of April. Sad, mainly because I will probably never again see him playing Henry Higgins but also because thousands will never see him play it.
I have nothing against Alex Jennings but he must indeed be a wonderful performer and colleage if he feels he can fill Jon's shoes and take the whole show on his back like Jon has done for the last 16 months. It will be interesting to see what happens to the show when it's main catalyst leaves!
My main trouble is that he has not once recieved the praise he deserves for leading that production right from the rehearsals, or for putting up with everything Martine (I don't think we'll ever see those two working together again!). He deserved that olivier (and I have seen all the performers concerned) simply because he has always been the leader of the cast on and off stage nd his performance is perfect. He should have at least collected the award for best musical with Trevor and Cameron as he deserves it as much as them, if not more. I must also thank Trevor and Cameron for mentioning Jon and putting a smile back on his face. Being over looked in that way was gross ignorance from the committee I just hope he doesn't feel too hard done by.
This is a final farewell and thankyou for giving such constantly uplifting performances.
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Lucy
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Total Posts: 74 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 3:47 pm on Mar. 6, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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Wow, Lucy. That's some acceptance speech. I am sure that Trevor and Cameron will be flattered by your thanks.
Come on . . . it's par for the course to flatter the lead.
As for Alex Jennings filling Jonathan Pryce's shoes and carrying the show . . . This is a little insulting to all concerned. "My Fair Lady" is a fantastic show, per se. The cast is brilliant, and Jonathan Pryce is a great performer, but one man could not carry a show of this magnitude. As you said in a previous mail, team work is the essence of good acting. This team looks like one of the best - there is such a depth of experience. This is perhaps something that gave the former lead lady away. You can't hide your light when in the company of esteemed actors and actresses - EastEnders or no EastEnders.
Which leads me on to Alex Jennings. Here is an actor who is one of the finest of his generation. Make no mistake, Alex Jennings deserves to be ranked up alongside any of the great actors. He has proven himself at the highest level. Indeed, I would argue that his breadth of roles even exceeds Jonathan Pryce.
This man isn't filling anybody's shoes. Anyway, isn't Higgins famous for wearing slippers? ;-)
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 4:05 am on Mar. 7, 2002 | IP
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Lucy
Junior Member
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Indeed, I'm ashamed to admit that I do not know Alex Jennings though I'm sure what you have said is true. However to claim his breadth of roles exceeds Jonathan's when this is his first musical and, to my knowledge, he has no experience in either film or TV is a trifle arrogant (with as little offence as possible :-) ).
I'm sure we will have to agree to disagree for the time being until proof is available.
All I can say in my defence is that from what I gathered from the cast and crew is that Jon really was the leader from the begginning but that is hardly suprising looking at his experience and personality (charming and humble as I know I mentioned before!).
We shall see!
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Lucy
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Total Posts: 74 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 4:07 pm on Mar. 7, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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I certainly wouldn't want this conversation to degenerate into a cheap "Pryce v Jennings" talent debate, but I did specifically refer to breadth of roles. For example, if somebody does an advert, a walk-on in Neighbours, an extra in a film and a chorus line in the west-end, does this make them an actor with experience? No.
Both of these actors are highly talented, and my point is simply to reiterate Alex Jennings versatility. In musical theatre, one would be hard pressed to find a more complete performer than Jonathan Pryce. However, could Jonathan Pryce play Hamlet, Albert Speer and Peer Gynt?
Furthermore, your claim that Alex Jennings has no experience in film or tv is plainly ignorant. Alex Jennings is best known for his excellent stage career (as well as his admirable commitment to subsidised theatre). However, he also has significant television and film experience. This is (as far as I know, and I am not his official biographer) Alex Jennings first west-end musical role. You can, if you wish, see him on the "Joseph" film (though I am not sure if this performance does his singing credentials any favours). You can also see him in the RSC's acclaimed film of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". You will also have seen him in countless things that you won't realise you have seen him in.
I think that Higgins is a role that allows a certain amount of spoken-through acting. It's not an all-singing, all-dancing part. It's a part that requires an actor of maturity, class, charisma, and confidence. Fortunately, Alex Jennings and Jonathan Pryce have these in abundance.
There is no need for us to agree to disagree. The facts are there for all to see. Indeed, the proof will be when Alex Jennings steps out on stage. However, since he has exceeded expectation in everything else that he has done, there is little reason to doubt that he will be nothing but a huge success.
The same thing happened a few years ago when Iain Glen was cast as Arnaud du Thil in "Martin Guerre". He was also described in some circles as "unknown". The kind of people who make such judgements rarely lift their head above the musical theatre parapet to see what else is happening. The fact is that not everybody in the multitudinous volumes of "Spotlight" has to have worked in musical theatre in order to take a musical theatre lead. Indeed, the crossover between conventionally 'straight' theatre and musical theatre is more common than the jump from musical theatre into 'straight' theatre.
Shows like "My Fair Lady" are excellent theatrical barometers. They offer scope for genuine acting ability, as opposed to tits-and-teeth productions which require little more than a brilliant dulux white smile and an agile body to entertain.
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 6:29 am on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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Typical! Following my lengthy diatribe, and extensive justification of all that is good about Alex Jennings, my trusty sources (also known as my mouse) quietly informs me that Jonathan Pryce won an Olivier award
for his Hamlet at the Royal Court and that he has also played Macbeth for the RSC...
That will teach me to extol the virtues of one performer without researching the other. A quick biography check would suffice. I'd make a terrible lawyer.
Therefore, my comment about Jonathan Pryce playing Hamlet etc. looks suitably daft. This is why Sheridan Morley is where he is, and why I am a self-employed scourge of the net.
I would apologise to Jonathan for any offence caused, but for the fact that he would neither care nor know who I am. I'm still waiting for the call from Cameron Doolittle . . .
Suffice to say, irrespective of individual achievements, the fact that "My Fair Lady" is able to attract actors of such experience is proof of the vitality of the show and musical theatre.
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 7:38 am on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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nicol
Newbie
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LOL! Well Sheridan Morley has a team of researchers at his finger tips...
I don't have an axe to grind here. I think both perormers are terrific. Yes, Jonathan Pryce will be a hard act to follow. But then so was Rex Harrison...
Alex Jennings will make the part of �'Enry iggins his own, and I for one can't wait to see it.
Nicol. Who has been a fan of JP ever since she caught a glimpse of his wherewithalls from her seat in the Gods at the RSC. The people who'd paid a fortune for the posh seats had to make do with seeing the towel that was supposed to be covering his privates. What play? The Taming of the Shrew. He also got to wear leathers and ride a bike...
(Edited by nicol at 4:12 pm on Mar. 8, 2002)
(Edited by nicol at 4:13 pm on Mar. 8, 2002)
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Total Posts: 34 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 9:48 am on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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chrisball
Junior Member
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I would hasten to add that I think that the reference to arrogance was aimed in my direction and not at Alex Jennings . . . Though he may well be. Who knows? How does one quantify arrogance? Do they give Oliviers for arrogance? In which case, do I qualify for a nomination?
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Total Posts: 99 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 10:25 am on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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nicol
Newbie
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Oh I see... No I don't. I'd better check my dictionary because I'm unsure how how calling Alex Jennings one of finest actors of his generation - a point on which most critics agree - qualifies as arrogance, whether or not of the trifling variety.
Make mine raspberry with liberal helpings of sherry and cream please.
And a pedant has e-mailed to remind me that Jonathan Pryce made his swashbuckling entrance as Petruchio on a motorbike, not a push bike. I was 7. It was the highlight of my year.
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Total Posts: 34 | Joined Feb. 2002 | Posted on: 11:51 am on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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Lucy
Junior Member
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I assure you, my original statement was not aimed at bellittling Alex Jennings or offending the cast and crew but for thanking and praising Jon P who has not recieved enough of it.
Chris, you're lucky. I was going to pull you up over Hamlet without mentioning his numerous other awards from Film Circle Critics to Tonys to Variety club to Oliviers to Cannes Film Festival awards. Need I go on? I haven't seen AJ in person but I have read up a lot about him, both reviews and biographies yet I still don't believe he is as highly acclaimed as the delectable Jon Pryce! Indeed the proof will be there in 6 months time for all to see!
Nicol. I'm glad Chris corrected your arrogant remark. Again I'm not out to slag off who I'm sure is a wonderful performer. However I'm very interested in his version of Pertruchio...was it large (Cough)?
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Lucy
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Total Posts: 74 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 1:34 pm on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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Lucy
Junior Member
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I am deeply wounded that you, in your first reply, said it was insulting that I used the term 'fill Jon P's shoes' towards Alex Jennings when you yourself used a simalar term (just different footware) to describe his coming in your message 'Alex Jennings'.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! ;-)
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Lucy
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Total Posts: 74 | Joined Mar. 2002 | Posted on: 1:39 pm on Mar. 8, 2002 | IP
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A sad farewell to Jonathan Pryce