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for it to be a golden age of theatre the plays would have to be new and attract mass audience. TV and theatre no longer support new writing. They are like museums full of stolen artifacts from other cultures.

So it might be a golden age of acting [as this is about actors] or maybe its last hurrah?

the best stuff is on the internet these days where no has to tell you it 'good'. it just stands out?

There seem to be plenty males capable of these strong performances, but as far as females go, isn't there is a distinct shortage of actresses of the high calibre of Judi Dench?

We need new theatre about what's happening now. Shakespeare Recycled, do we want Hamlet recycled yet again?

Recycled Miller would be more appropriate: Death of a Banker!

I think that serious theatre is in a truly golden age having seen some wonderful productions in the past few years. The RSC History Cycle at the Roundhouse stands out as one of the most amazing theatrical experiences of my life but there have been some brilliant and innovative productions at the National and in the West End. One of the biggest problems is getting tickets as some of these productions get sold out so quickly. I saw the David Tenant Hamlet in Stratford last week and would have loved to get tickets for my sons to see it in London but the whole run is entirely sold out. It was noticeable how many young people were at the Tenant Hamlet and they all seem to have really enjoyed it so will hopefully go again. Ticket prices are a problem but the National's Β£10.00 tickets are great. Publicity is also a problem. Somehow excerpts from plays shown on TV review programmes don't usually come across very well. It would be wonderful if some of these brilliant productions could be filmed so that those who can't get to the theatre would have a chance of seeing them but I guess that's quite difficult to do. There are plenty of excellent women around - Mariah Gale and Penny Downe in Hamlet to name just two! They may not all be household names but they are very good.

bright-eyedChrisblog

You're right - Mariah Gale and Penny Downe are not household names! May be someday.

Hmmm.....as for the comment by LarsonsMum on the relatively small numbers of great high profile female actors?.... Just take a look at the western canon of the past several hundred years, Mum. The number of great roles written for women in most great classical plays and modern classics is tiny in comparison to men. Women are out here working hard at the craft. You don't see us in large numbers, but it does not mean we don't exist! Theatre History, anyone?

To underline your point about a possible theatre golden age one only has to see Tim Carroll's direction of The Factory in their improvised performances of Hamlet that have graced many venues including the Globe over the past year. The fact that every cast member knows every line of the play and doesn't know which role he or she might be playing until the play begins, adds to the excitement and the outstanding improvisation on display throughout. Audience-provided props add another unexpected dimension to this unique brand of theatre that treats Shakespeare's great play with an energy and motivation that has attracted full houses wherever it has played. No doubt ticket prices at a tenner a head also has had an effect but this is Shakespeare with a raw and exhilarating edge that proves we are either in a golden age of budding English actors or about to enter one in the very near future. Don't miss it! Go to

Dundee Rep.