9 d. ago ‘We can hear their saliva’: why are so many actors suddenly using microphones?

From Greek tragedy to Chekhov to Rosamund Pike in Inter Alia, handheld mics are everywhere on stage right now. Is this a thrilling innovation – or a pointless fad?Wig, robes and moves like Jagger. Rosamund Pike’s star turn as a crown court judge, at the National Theatre in London, has proved that there’s just one prop you need to turn even the most serious of subjects into a punk performance – a microphone. And Inter Alia is only the latest in a number of major openings to star the humble handheld: from Greek tragedy to Chekhov, the device seems to be increasingly common in West End productions.Microphones were integral to Thomas Ostermeier’s meta-theatrical production of The Seagull at the Barbican, and Jamie Lloyd – having used handhelds to transform James McAvoy into a rapping Cyrano de Bergerac three years ago – has deployed them in both Shakespeare (Much Ado) and Lloyd Webber (Evita). And no production used them more controversially than Daniel Fish’s Elektra, whose lead, Brie ...

Politics

3 w. ago Offer made on historic Perthshire castle with royal connections

Estate agents confirm that an offer has been made for Methven Castle which was recently put on the market.

Politics

4 w. ago Kate Middleton left Wimbledon's Centre Court 'in tears' after 'courageous' act

Kate's appearance at the Men's Singles Final at Wimbledon in 2024 could have offered solace to others, a Royal biographer said.

Politics

4 w. ago Prince Harry issued stark warning about King Charles reconcilation amid peace summit

Hopes for a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father King Charles have been raised after it emerged several of their aides had a 'peace summit' - but one expert has warned caution should be exercised

Events

4 w. ago The Crown star offered royal hope after 'ties severed' with King Charles over Netflix show

Dominic West, the renowned British actor who played Charles in seasons five and six of Netflix's multi-award-winning series 'The Crown', may have landed fresh hope over his "royal ties"

Politics

last month Prince Philip believed Prince Charles 'lacked the dedication necessary to make a good king', royal insider reveals

It is no secret that King Charles III had a testy relationship with his father, Prince Philip. Their clashes during Charles's childhood were dramatised for the hit Netflix series The Crown.

Politics