This is an exciting and superb production in every respect. The actors are all in excellent form and well directed. Their grasp of the text and especially its pacing is just a pleasure as they make it work splendidly. This is where the basics of people and language come together to give an amusing and emotional experience.
No film version can get anywhere near to this experience. Films are always edited and simplified.
But the one ingredient that makes this comedy rise so very high is that of the audience. They react and sigh, laugh, and jeer, clap and give the feeling of being there and having a communal experience. The audience really add an extra layer of enjoyment and no doubt it's why laughter tracks were added to TV comedies to try to lend that quality of communal pleasure.
There is no point singling out certain names for mention here as everyone on the stage, behind it, with the camera, etc have all done a wonderful job.
Watch this and forget all other movie versions.
No film version can get anywhere near to this experience. Films are always edited and simplified.
But the one ingredient that makes this comedy rise so very high is that of the audience. They react and sigh, laugh, and jeer, clap and give the feeling of being there and having a communal experience. The audience really add an extra layer of enjoyment and no doubt it's why laughter tracks were added to TV comedies to try to lend that quality of communal pleasure.
There is no point singling out certain names for mention here as everyone on the stage, behind it, with the camera, etc have all done a wonderful job.
Watch this and forget all other movie versions.