#Edwin drood broadway 2012 full#

I find it interesting that both roles go uncredited both in the show (figuratively) and in the film (literally). Of course, there are differences - a main character is Rosa Bud's guardian/legal counsel (the detailed, pompous and endearing Alun Armstrong) who doesn't appear in the musical, but instead is combined into the role of Mayor Sapsea and the Princess Puffer in this version is much less of a role (though creepily played by Ellie Haddington), and it is very interesting to see how the roles of Bazzard and Dick Datchery are incorporated here. There's a lot to digest, but thankfully, it is well-directed (by Diarmuid Lawrence) and terrifically acted by an attractive and varied company of actors.įans of the musical version will be happy to note that for a good portion of the film, the story goes in the same order as the show, and will even recognize some key points of dialogue. A good dozen or more major characters are introduced from a variety of backgrounds, and all but a few reveal ominous details about their lives that make them mysterious at best, suspicious at worst. You have to wonder just how the novel would have played out had it been finished. As such, it is pretty interesting to contemplate that themes Dickens touched upon, not the least of which include a scathing look at British Imperialism, drug abuse, questionable paternity, racism, class struggles and the role of religion in society. One assumes that the first hour adheres closely to the original Dickens work, while the second hour focuses on solving the titular mystery. (No one does darkness - literal and figurative - like the people at the BBC!) It has superior production values, including some alarmingly beautiful scenery of the English countryside and period architecture, lush costuming, and masterful camera shots that guide the intricate plot with appropriately moody lighting.

#Edwin drood broadway 2012 full#

It is full of high brow and excellent British acting. In a lot of ways, it was exactly what I though it would be. Before this, the only version of the story I was familiar with was the Tony-winning musical version, which is about to be revived by the Roundabout Theater Company this season. It was pure coincidence that, during a bout with insomnia, that I stumbled across a late night showing of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a 2012 BBC adaptation of the unfinished Dickens novel. SPOILER ALERT: While I do not intend to reveal any secrets of either version of the story, I can't guarantee that I am not inadvertently giving away something. Starring Matthew Rhys, Freddie Fox, and Tamzin Merchant, with Rory Kinnear, Ron Cook, Ellie Haddington, Amber Rose Revah, Sacha Dhawan, Alfie Davis, Alun Armstrong and Julia McKenzie. Written by Gwyneth Hughes, based upon the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. Review of the 2012 BBC production of Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood as presented in the United States by PBS Masterpiece.