A Long Days Journey Into Night - Bristol Old Vic

This was supposed to be broadcast via NTLive - maybe the layout of the theatre scuppered plans? I couldn't see where they would position cameras. If it transfers - and I hope it does as its magnificent - it would work best in a venue as intimate as the BOV where the audience feels as if they are in the house too. Its an uncomfortable experience - and there were times, particularly when the superb Lesley Manville as Mary was talking about her child who died, when I had to take my eyes off the stage. But this immersion in the family was surely what O'Neill intended. Eyre takes things briskly, but rightly so as it is Edmond's diagnosis with tb in the early afternoon which accelerates everyone's journey into the night(and the past.)

Highly recommended

They'd have to take the first couple of rows off sale in order to position a camera in the pit aisle (stage right), then they'd have to be positioned in the boxes/sides of the circle.

The problem with the BOV is that every last inch is filled with seats.

Last night of this in Bristol yesterday; it was superb. The whole cast was tremendous (Irons in complete control of his lines, incidentally, one little fluff quickly corrected). It really deserves a further run somewhere. Third time I've seen it (previously Howard Davies at NT in 1991 with Timothy West and Prunella Scales and Young Vic a few years later with Richard Johnson and Penelope Wilton) and whilst I loved those productions, this was the best - and Irons the most convincing lead (in the other shows the Mary has outshone the James). Three young actors to look out for in future too.

Makes one long to see more of Irons on stage. I've been going to the theatre for 28 years and never seen him - can't help but wish we'd had his Vanya or Solness etc. I'd love to see him as Lear or John Gabriel Borkman - a shame Eyre has directed them both as they're obviously a great combination.

Let's just say his accent was the strongest part of his performance.  I don't think it would work in the US for that reason.  But a London transfer would -though given there was what sounds like such a good one (Suchet) two or three years ago, it might be a risky prospect - though given the reviews I'd have thought it likely to succeed financially.