King Lear

This afternoon we were at the National Theatre, to see Simon Russell Beale in the title role in Sam Mendes' production of King Lear.

It's a play that Tony never misses an opportunity to see, having taught it to his 'A' Level students for several years. So it's difficult to resist comparisons with other productions, and there were several things about this one that we thought could have been done differently and to greater effect.

But whatever the merits of particular interpretations, there's no denying the play's power in confronting us with some of the most fundamental questions about the purpose of our existence.

The oldest hath borne most; we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.