FROST/ NIXON till 3 February 2007.

FROST / NIXON
by Peter Morgan.

Donmar Warehouse To 7 October 2006.
then Gielgud Theatre To 3 February 2007.
Runs: 1hr 55min No interval.
Review: Harriet Davis 5 October

Witty, concise, moving
It should come as no surprise to fans of Peter Morgan’s impeccably observed 2003 offering The Deal, that his theatrical debut takes the shape of a taut political power struggle between two varyingly influential public figures. For those familiar with his work, Morgan’s strength lies not in his (fascinating) choice of subject matter, but in his capacity to comment calmly and with considerable poignancy on the nature of being in the public eye.

Michael Sheen plays populist talk show host David Frost, a man most comfortable in the cosy surroundings of a low-brow studio audience, with little regard for current affairs and a womanizing reputation. Still smarting from a run-in with American studio NBC, Frost is keen to boost his journalistic credentials with an eye to creating yet another series of his high-rating show.

Nixon (played with stunning accuracy by a drawling Frank Langella) is also grappling with the studios. Following a hasty and undignified resignation, he is anxious to revive both his career and his dilapidated finances. In a somewhat unprecedented move, Nixon’s associates grant Frost a series of four hour-and-a-half interviews with the former President in exchange for a hefty fee.

Aided by a team of crack political commentators, including future BBC director John Birt (Corey Johnson), and zealous left-wing critic Jim Reston (Elliot Cowan), Frost attempts to elicit a full confession. Naturally, Nixon rallies, and the consequent interviews play-out like a series of high-stake boxing matches.

Directed with necessary efficiency by Michael Grandage, the production moves at a swift pace, pausing only momentarily in preparation for the startling finale. It’s a witty, concise and surprisingly moving creation.

Richard Nixon: Frank Langella.
Michael Sheen: David Frost.
Jim Reston: Elliot Cowan.
Jack Brennan: Corey Johnson.
John Birt: Rufus Wright.
Caroline Cushing: Lydia Leonard.
Manolo Sanchez: Amerjit Deu.
Swifty Lazar: Kerry Shale.
Bob Zelnick: Vincent Marzello.
Evonne Goolagong: Kate Roscoe.

2006-10-12 10:37:55