Doris-Anglophil describes meeting Matthew and the play

Doris-Anglophil got to meet Matthew Macfadyen twice today and describes both encounters. She also saw the play twice and gives some of her impressions. As always, the full account is found in the forum:

...Then we saw the play, me for the first time. It was very good. I was most impressed (don't beat me up!) by Peter Sullivan, who gave an extremely good performance in my eyes. Every second of the play he was totally convincing. He is a great actor, to be sure.

I very much focused on the whole stage, not only on Matthew, because I wanted to gain an overall impression. It is an extremely good play, thanks to Bruce Norris and Dominic Cooke! They did their job very well. Matthew acted as I expected him to do, even I had the impression that he wasn't in his best condition, don't ask me why. He has hilarious moments, but also moments where you simply want to hold him in your arms forever.

...

Then the evening show started. Aand - believe it or not, it was far better than the permonance in the afternoon. Although Peter was better at the matinee. but Matthew improved massively in my eyes, and because the play was not new to me now I concentrated on him almost the whole time. Eyelashes!!!!!! Blinking!!!! Lip biting!!!! Nervously biting his fingernails!!!!!! His breakouts were unique, so much better than in the show before.

BTW - the American accent, that wasn't always convincing me, particularly Matthew had some problems to cope with it in the beginning. It got better during the play.

...

But - it still wasn't over! Suddenly it started raining and I (sheepishly!!!!) said: "O my God! It's raining. My hair will be a complete mess within two minutes!" He [Matthew Macfadyen] looked at me and bursted out with laughter, joking at me, making fun of me!!!! Then he again said "Thank you", gave us a last smile saying "Bye now!" and off he went!