Rebecca Enright discovers that there’s more to Kim Cattrall than Sex and the City…
When you hear the name Kim Cattrall you automatically think of Samantha in Sex and the City, the iconic strong-willed, man-eating character we all know and love.
But her homecoming to the Liverpool stage in Antony and Cleopatra at the Playhouse Theatre certainly proved that she is more than just a TV superstar, but a gifted theatre actress who can put her hand to more traditional thespian challenges, including Shakespeare.
As a huge fan, I last saw Kim on the London stage as the lead in Noel Coward’s Private Lives back in the spring of this year, so was interested in how she would conquer the role of the cunning yet passionate Queen of the Nile. But she did!
Directed by a former legendary Cleopatra, Janet Suzman, it was sure to be a great hit and it’s obvious Cattrall delights in playing strong, dominant women, and does so with much gusto.
The play can be difficult to understand at times, but it’s at no fault to anyone except me and the fact I haven’t studied it for so long! But don’t let the fact that it’s Shakespeare put you off.
The plot – an ill-fated love affair where passion collides with political gain – is easy to pick up via the stunning stage decor, atmospheric music and superb acting from the entire cast.
The play does have its modern touch too, most notably Cleopatra donning stylish specs to sign papers and the Romans, in contemporary get-up (Caesar even in a pin-stripe suit), having a jolly whilst drinking Peroni and Carling! Who would ever have thought it?
And for the girlie bit – the dresses. Many a conversation was had about what you would wear and when, or “do you think we could ask Kim if she is keeping those?”
Standing ovations do not seem to be the norm ‘up north’, or so it seems, although I felt proud to make my appreciation known… even if I was one of only six standing!
And there’s always the meet and greet at the stage door, an excitement equivalent to meeting your favourite boy band when you’re 13.
The Playhouse theatre is certainly worth a visit, and can be combined with a general sightseeing tour of Liverpool. It’s a beautiful theatre that’s been around since the early 1900’s and if you’re anything like me, it’s one of the first things I take a good look at – the beauty and grandeur of a theatre interior.
There is no doubt that Kim gets the majority of people through the door, but with a fantastic cast, many of which are from the Royal Shakespeare Company, its one not to be missed. World class theatre isn’t just confined to London.
Antony and Cleopatra runs until Saturday 13th November. You can book tickets via www.everymanplayhouse.com or by calling the box office on (0151) 709 4776.
Photos: Stephen Vaughan