Some initial points of interest* about The Hard Problem at National Theatre

• Damien Molony looking cute in a cardigan
  
• The line “she was milking the family buffalo at 8” is mentioned. It is a winner.
  
• Damien Molony looking strangely alluring in a lady’s shorty robe
  
• Olivia Vinall looks to be the new Hattie Morahan, and delivers the leading role here with a delightful mixture of charm and confidence – nice to see her outwith Shakespearean damsel mode for once
  
• Damien Molony’s thighs in said robe. *swoons*
  
• Stoppard hasn’t reined in his tendency to lay his research bare. Not sure what a hedge fund is? A character conveniently asks the question to allow an explanation… Nor is there a huge deal of sophistication in his plotting, the twists that come seem rather obvious (though this could possibly have been his intention)
  
• Damien Molony in his boxers
  
• The play does have some meaty, fascinating aspects to it though, pairing up thoughtful forays into God versus science and the mind versus the brain, whilst also delving into the financial markets, research ethics and the vagaries of human behaviour, especially under pressure. Heaven only knows what those who've done their homework will make of it, for me it could do with exploiting the emotional angle more fully.
  
• For all his hotness, Damien Molony could really do with enunciating and projecting a little better.
  
• And plus ça change at the Dorfman/Cottesloe as in its end-on configuration, Row S clearly stands for severely restricted view - the cheap seats in the gallery on the right hand side (looking at the stage) cut off an area where Hytner frustratingly places actors on a regular basis. Even leaning didn’t really help. And with all the recent renovation work, it’s surprising the NT hasn’t managed to put signs up to Door C or Row S (or indeed placed ushers on that level to help out customers).
  
• I continue to love Lucy Robinson, my first ever Lady Macbeth, even when she's forced to swear like she's in a Richard Curtis film.
  
• Some gorgeous brainwave and synapse-inspired design work by Bob Crowley and lighting designer Mark Henderson make it visually arresting, though the reliance on the piano soundtrack felt a little clichéd and uninspired. Press go in on Wednesday though it is hard to imagine, that with this being Hytner's directorial swansong as Artistic Director and Stoppard's first new play in nine years, that a certain air of benevolence won't characterise a goodly portion of the critical responses. If you've been already, let me know what you thought of it. 

Labels: Anthony Calf, Damien Molony, Jonathan Coy, Kristin Atherton, Lucy Robinson, Olivia Vinall, Parth Thakerar, Rosie Hilal, Tom Stoppard, Vera Chok