To think it is too early to put on a Savile play?

[fortyfide]

Impressionist Alastair McGowan plays him in a london theatre tomorrow.(wed)

[molyholy]

Hmmm, tricky. There have been books published about him (one of which I've read - In Plain Sight - eye opening read). I think people are still aghast at how long he got away with it for so long. They are working with NAPAC and part of the proceeds will be going to them, so I am sure it will not be in any way salacious - like the book I mentioned above.

[fortyfide]

MOLY oh yes it was going to be done eventually. Everyone wonders why he got away with it so long. I suppose he was ruthless, and had connections in high places. It cant have been that no one knew.

I heard a clip of Mcgowan, he had the voice right. But he said he thought long and hard before agreeing to do it.

[MrsNextDoor]

YABU. It helps society to process these things.

[VacantExpression]

that was my first thought too, but seeing the interview with Alistair and Johnathan (the writer) on Sunday I thought they were extremely sensitive in how they handled things and said that his victims have said actually its far from too soon.

[Icimoi]

No, it isn't too soon. Bear in mind that much of the abuse took place decades ago. A sensitively written play will help to counter all the nonsense from people who suggest that, because he is dead, none of this matters. Richard Littlejohn, I'm looking at you.

[limitedperiodonly]

I saw that interview VacantExpression and came away with the same view as you.

Alistair McGowan's impression was uncanny - in voice and mannerisms but also in the words the writer had put into his mouth. I could hear Jimmy Savile saying that and smirking at his accusers.

I think it's brave of McGowan to play someone so monstrous. The play isn't something I'd go to see, but I'd definitely watch it on TV. It looks like it's going to be respectful and angry.

[Andrewofgg]

No, it's either go for it now or wait until all his actual and possible victims are also dead and that is decades away.

[Myricales]

No, it's either go for it now or wait until all his actual and possible victims are also dead and that is decades away.

That's why no-one ever used a portrayal of Adolf Hitler as a humorous meme, I take it.

No one seriously protested about Alec McCowan's portrayal of Hitler in Christopher Hampton's stage adaptation of The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H., and McCowan won an Evening Standard Award for it. That was the early 1980s, when plenty of victims' immediate family were still alive, and in that text the Hitler figure is actually provided with an opportunity to defend himself. I didn't see it, but the novel from which it was adapted is a very serious and high-minded work.

[fortyfide]

I assume the thretre crits will be reviewing it on Thursday. If I lived in London. I dont think I would go and see it. But it is an interesting development. To events which will probably still be talked about in a hundred years time.