Capital Club Pays Tribute To British Icon Sir Alec Guinness
Trevor Littledale delights in ’Two Halves Of Guinness’
Written by Mark Burgess and directed by Derek Parry, Two Halves Of Guinness saw accomplished thespian Trevor Littledale offer an uncanny portrayal of one of the world’s best-loved stars, Sir Alec Guinness, at the Capital Club Dubai, the region’s premier private business club and member of the ENSHAA group of companies.
Capital Club General Manager Bill Loveday commented, “It was truly delightful to see a master craftsman at work. Support of the theatre and the arts is an important focus of the Club and we are extremely pleased to have been able to offer our Members and their guests the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful performance.”
Acclaimed for his work in films such as Kind Hearts and Coronets, Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge On The River Kwai, as well as his stage work alongside Olivier and Gielgud, Sir Alec Guinness’ stage and screen career spanned decades of cinematic glory; winning multiple Olivier, Tony and BAFTA and Academy awards along the way. Yet it is for a very different type of role that he is most often remembered.
Set in the late 70s, as Star Wars, featuring Sir Alec’s iconic performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi, is on its way to becoming one of the biggest films of all time, the play starts with Littledale portraying Guinness accepting his Lifetime Achievement Oscar, a high that is soon dampened as the audience sees him caught up in an exasperated, but still courteous, dialogue with a female American fan and her son, who has "seen Star Wars 100 times". The encounter leads Guinness to ponder in frustration on the many great performances that he would probably not be remembered for.
Littledale’s portrayal of these many different characters was both flawless and touching, as he brought the thoughts and ideas of one of both stage and screen’s great icons to life. Funny and insightful, the format sees Littledale as Guinness sitting alone – clutching his Oscar – reminiscing about his career and gently leading the audience through the ups and downs of his personal relationships, marriage, and active RNR service in World War II. Throughout the play he reflects on acting, faith, family, and his shattering insecurity, all played to a background of the golden days of British film and theatre.
The evening, which took place in the Club’s elegant Signature dining room, was further complimented by Chef Cyrille Troesch’s sumptuous fine dining experience to complete a perfect evening of culture and cuisine. For more information on the Capital Club visit: www.capitalclubdubai.com
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Dec 13, 2012
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