Theatre: CURTAIN CALLS

David Benedict
Friday 18 September 1998 18:02 EDT
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Tuesday's press night of The Blue Room, the latest port of call in David Hare's single-handed voyage around the Cape of Good Theatre, is going to be paparazzi hell. Not, sadly, because of the play, but the casting. This adaptation of Schnitzler's play about connecting couples and their couplings is in the hands of Iain Glen and Nicole Kidman (above). Seeing as the show is at the 250- seat Donmar Warehouse, you will be unsurprised to learn that their participation has ensured that you'll have to queue for returns. It's sold-out.

So why not nip down the road to the Royal Court for Hare's Via Dolorosa. This, his solo performing debut has been smartly described in the Independent on Sunday as "a superior version of What I Did on My Holidays". Actually, it's a fascinating meditation on an English view of Israel which happens to contain a reference to his early play Plenty.

Coincidentally, Jonathan Kent is reviving that very play next year. The heartbreaking central role of a woman filled with idealism was created by Kate Nelligan, but Meryl Streep played her in the sadly textureless film version. This time the role will go to Cate Blanchett.

`The Blue Room', Donmar Warehouse, Earlham Street, London WC2 (0171-369 1732)

`Via Dolorosa', Royal Court at the Duke of York's, St Martin's Lane, London WC2 (0171-565 5000)

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