DVD Review: Theatreland

Featuring theatre and film heavyweights—and real-life friends—Sir Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, X-Men) and Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, X-Men) and offering a compelling look behind the scenes of a West End production of Beckett’s influential Waiting for Godot, Theatreland debuts on DVD on May 13, 2014 from Athena, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Filmed on location at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, a historic London playhouse that dates back to 1720, the program features rare, candid behind-the-scenes footage that follows two productions, Waiting for Godot and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, from rehearsals to opening night. Broadcast on public television in October 2010, the documentary is ever more relevant with Stewart and McKellen’s recent Broadway performances in Waiting for Godot and No Man’s Land. The DVD 2-Disc set includes eight episodes, plus a 12-page viewer’s guide (201 min., $39.99, AcornOnline.com).

Theatre Royal Haymarket is one of London’s premier West End playhouses. In 2009, it mounted the most successful production ever of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, it ran for 172 sold-out performances. Godot was followed by the first-ever staged adaptation of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Filmed over six months, Theatreland goes behind the scenes of both productions to reveal what makes a West End theatre tick. Meet the stars, the artistic director, the managers, stagehands, carpenters, and ushers. Explore the Haymarket, one of London’s oldest theatres, with 100-year-old seats and plumbing to match. Audiences realize none of this as the lights dim and the magic begins. From the first read-through to the final curtain call, this is theatre as you’ve never seen it before.

The documentary also features Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Ronald Pickup (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joseph Cross (Lincoln) and Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies).

Bonus Features: 12-page viewer’s guide with a timeline of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, a look at the West End, profiles of the participants, an article on theatre ghosts, and fun facts about the productions

Street Date: May 13, 2014                            SRP: $39.99               UPC: 0-54961-2183-9-4

DVD 2-Disc Set: 8 episodes – Approx. 201 min. – Documentary - SDH Subtitles

My Thoughts

Theatreland is  a must watch documentary for anyone who loves the theater. It gives you an exclusive look behind the scenes at what goes into a show at one of London's oldest playhouses.This documentary follows the production of “Waiting For Godot” at the Royal Haymarket Theater. It also covers the rehearsal stage of  “Breakfast at Tiffanys”.

The show is broken down into eight episodes, each running just under thirty minutes. I love that it's so raw.  It's obvious that the questions that come up along the way weren't staged. You get real, honest, on the spot answers from everyone ranging from stars to stagehands. Some of the reactions of the staff when they come in contact with the stars are priceless.

I love seeing actors I know from the big/small screen so at home on the stage. Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian Mckellan shine in their roles and I wish I was there to see it in person, but since that's not possible, seeing the process so up close and personal is the next best thing. The series is also a great guide for anyone thinking about going into theater as a career.

If you'd like to check out this fabulous documentary for yourself, you can pick up a copy at Acorn Media for $39.99.