Kenneth Tynan was a failed actor that made his name as a critic and founder of the English National Theatre. They say they never built a statue to a critic - but maybe Tynan was the nearest miss.
From the first frame to the last this is clearly a low budget TV play which hopes to get by with lots of close ups, old film, tricks shots, music and good acting. Tynan's voice-over further papers over cracks and holes; although comedic actor Rob Brydon lacks the true passion and drive of the man who was a modern thinker and, famously, the first man to use the f word on UK TV.
The stutter - that held him back as an actor - is understated too. The effort to overcome it remains one of his greatest achievements. Small though it may sound.
If you have read up on English theatrical history than it is easy enough to follow, but others will struggle. The main plank is the staging of the controversial play Oh Calcutta! One of the first "erotic reviews" to hit the stage.
Julian Sands is convincing as Lawrence Olivier in his middle years, but it is strange to see a man who made media history being pushed to one side for a minor player. However Sands voice only occasionally convinces as Stagedoor Larry.
From the first frame to the last this is clearly a low budget TV play which hopes to get by with lots of close ups, old film, tricks shots, music and good acting. Tynan's voice-over further papers over cracks and holes; although comedic actor Rob Brydon lacks the true passion and drive of the man who was a modern thinker and, famously, the first man to use the f word on UK TV.
The stutter - that held him back as an actor - is understated too. The effort to overcome it remains one of his greatest achievements. Small though it may sound.
If you have read up on English theatrical history than it is easy enough to follow, but others will struggle. The main plank is the staging of the controversial play Oh Calcutta! One of the first "erotic reviews" to hit the stage.
Julian Sands is convincing as Lawrence Olivier in his middle years, but it is strange to see a man who made media history being pushed to one side for a minor player. However Sands voice only occasionally convinces as Stagedoor Larry.