Sunday theatre question: A screen/book adaptation that worked surprising well on stage
31/01/2021
Going to see a much-loved film or book that has been adapted for the stage can conjure up a mixture of feelings from excitement to nerves. Sometimes there is an element of curiosity about how it will be adapted.
So have you seen a screen or stage adaptation that has particularly surprised you in how it was staged?
In the video, I explain my top choice, the National Theatre of Scotland's adaptation of Swedish horror film Let The Right One In which I saw when it transferred to the Royal Court.
I loved the film but never in a million year would have pegged it as a stage adaptation. I approached it with trepidation but was completely blown away by the inventiveness of the staging and how the tone of the film had been captured.
Here are some of my other favourite adaptations for stage, tell me about yours in the comments.
Let the Right One In, Royal Court Theatre
A Monster Calls, Old Vic Theatre - the book, written by Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd, held a particular place in my heart because I read it not long after my Mum died. There had already been a film version which used CGI to great effect to render the tree-like monster - or is it monster-like tree - of the title and I'd been relieved when that version was reasonably faithful to the book.
But recreating the monster/tree for the stage in a way that felt authentic to the story? I'm pleased to say that the creativity of the stage and set design was superb and I've never cried so much at the theatre. (And that's a good thing.)
To Kill A Mockingbird, Barbican Theatre - One of THE books from my youth that left an indelible mark so naturally, I was nervous. But in the end, it was a superb adaptation that had me laughing and crying.
Jane Eyre, National Theatre - This production not only condensed the novel down while retaining its heart and soul but did with contemporary and abstract stage devices that added beautifully to the drama and passion of the story. Keep an eye out on the National Theatre at Home website because it may be added to the streaming service.
Edit: The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-time (NT/West End) has been mentioned over on my Instagram account which is a blooming good call, so I'm adding it to the list. Another book I loved but hadn't a clue how the story would or could be lifted from page to stage. But it was superb and I saw it at the NT and then on it's West End transfer.