The other day I went with my Emory group to see Shaw’s “Major Barbara” over at the National Theatre. Unlike the last time I went, it was now a warm spring day, and Embankment was beautiful in a different way. A glowing sunset.

Our seats were very good, and I was once again impressed with the sets and technical aspects of the show. The weapons factory emerged in a magnificent way on stage, with fog and noise, and platforms upon platforms of shells being lowered from the ceilings. The transition to the Salvation Army shelter was smooth and visually pleasing as well.

The actor playing Andrew Undershaft – Simon Russel Beale – was the same man who played Benedick in the Much Ado production reviewed here in an earlier post. He managed to sound very different, changing his voice to a much more baritone growl, but maintained the same amount of comedic timing and charm, with a capacity for tenderness.

The rest of the cast struck me as a bit weak, although for the most part they hit on their comedic lines. But Alponsus did not really establish clearly what was going on with his character at any point, and quite frankly the title character was flat. Barbara was certainly attractive, and had very distinctive mannerisms and facial expressions – but I feel like a lot of them were simply pointless business, as she has quite a bit of time on stage without lines. I did not really care whether or not she would still marry Alphonsus if he accepted her father’s offer. Mrs. Undershaft definitely fell under the heading of “Good Comedic Timing and Delivery”, but like Barbara, she went to the well with her business quite a bit. I wonder if it had to do with the director, because a lot of the actors had habits which – while not irritating – seemed to be indicating a little bit.

At times when cues were not immediately picked up I could tell it was supposed to give the impression, “Look at how REAL this is!” Instead it felt like the actors couldn’t quite remember what they were supposed to say.

Still, Undershaft carries the show, and it is still Shaw. I consider it worth seeing.