Arcadia, Churchill Theatre ***

Arcadia is widely regarded as a masterpiece from Stoppard. I am not so sure. It is true to say that it is spectacularly clever but does not seem to have an emotional core. It seems to be very intelligent yet I had to concentrate stupidly hard to keep up with each scientific theory and my two companions could not get to grips with it at all despite this being their second viewing of the production. This may be to do with McIntyre's staging which is problematic due to the actors not always facing the audience when speaking, therefore obscuring lines. This is unfortunate as she is a fantastic director and my favourite to take the artistic director post at the Globe. This, however, is a mis-step. Also, due to there not being a backdrop to Fensom's set design, a bright red fire box was distracting for the most part. Despite all of these things, I did like a lot of what was presented. The acting is fantastic, especially as the majority of the productions I see at the Churchill are amateur dramatic musicals with acting that fits the stereotype. I would especially like to point out the marvelous job Wilf Scolding does as the tutor Septimus who is wonderfully comedic. I also commend the casting choices by Ellie Collyer- Bristow, with two black actors in a play which would be easy to cast a completely white cast. Lastly, some of Stoppard's work does provide satisfying moments within the piece but, like Beckett, needs to be studied to gain full enjoyment. There is plenty to enjoy in this production but it needs a way to communicate key ideas better to keep it's audience on side.