Company Donmar Warehouse Stephen Sondheim 1996 (Entire show)

Original Cast
Robert...Adrian Lester
Sarah...Rebecca Front
Harry...Clive Rowe
Susan...Clare Burt
Peter...Gareth Snook
Jenny...Liza Sadovy
David...Teddy Kempner
Amy...Sophie Thompson
Paul...Michael Simkins
Joanne...Sheila Gish
Larry...Paul Bentley
Marta...Anna Francolini
Kathy...Kiran Hocking
April...Hannah James
Staff/Creative
Staging
Director...
Sam Mendes
Choreography...
Jonathan Butterell
Design
Settings/Costumes...
Mark Thompson
Lighting...
Paul Pyant
Sound...
John A. Leonard
Music
Musical Director...
Paddy Cunneen
...
Gareth Valentine
Orchestrations...
Jonathan Tunick
Producers
Producer...
Donmar Warehouse

[@sophiamcl]

I watched the one with NPH first and it was charming and entertaining and thought provoking too, but it was a comedy. This version is drama. I love this take. The singing is a bit rough, but there is a different poignancy in this version, it is a little darker, it cuts deeper and the staging works terrifically. It brought the musical into focus for me in a whole new way.

[@shabberto]

I think you'll love the 2006 one! It's available here on KZbin :)

[@KyleMcNamara-w9c]

@@shabberto Absolutely

[@marcallan9069]

For all the hate that this production gets, their interpretation of “side by side/what would we do without you” is absolutely genius. Definitely my favourite.

[@henryalmoney2917]

i didn’t really understand this side by side, what do you think it meant?

[@marcallan9069]

@@henryalmoney2917 Well, with the idea that the show happens is a compilation of Bobby's memories, having this song staged as a cocaine binge is really interesting to me. Cocaine being a euphoric upper, it makes sense to have it accompany a song intermixed with dialogue of the characters praising him. With this in mind it also adds a sadness to the scene, Bobby is trying to convince himself to be happy with the status quo of his life through the use of recreational drugs. I also just generally like the choreography and staging, its whacky and energetic but makes sense with it being a cocaine binge. And as the sing goes on he starts to come down. Which ultimately culminates in the sad realization that he is alone at 1:23:50 when things starts spinning out of control around him. As far as productions of company goes, it's far from my favourite (Marta in particular isn't very strong) . I think the 2006 production utilizes the material the best. It really plays into how all of the dialogue can be at the same time funny, and crushingly depressing. But this production dose some really fascinating things, and I would take it over a more Sterilized version of Company any day.

[@Melissa-tw2gp]

I’ve seen a few different iterations of Company and enjoyed aspects of them all, but this is the first time these people felt at all real to me. The first time I felt like I “got” what they were each about on any real level.

[@Pyrethryn]

I've read reviews of this performance and a common adjective used is "raw." I see what they mean. Plenty of heart and some strong performances, but rough around the edges with some questionable staging choices. 7/10 would bang.

[@Rrrachshow11]

The nightmarish absurdity of this production is WONDERFUL. The trick candles. The overly exaggerated garish qualities of otherwise grounded characters. The staging and pacing in general. This might be my new favorite version Ive ever seen. Swoon!

[@davirhestudios]

ACT #1 7:30 ✨COMPANY✨(opening) 8:35 (Robert part)😌 20:28 The Little things you do together (part:1)💝😏👥 21:53 The Little things you do together (part:2)💝😏👥 22:53 The Little things you do together (Final)💝😏👥 25:36 Sorry-Grateful🥺😌 37:47 You Could Drive a Person Crazy🥰🤪😫😩🥺😤😠😡👢💪🏼👠✊🏻🥿🖕🏼 43:18 ✨COMPANY✨(reprise part:1) 44:00 Have I Got a Girl for You😋😚😏 45:45 Someone Is Waiting😌🖐🏻👗👡🍸🥋👰🏻 48:35 Another hundred people (part:1)👩🏻‍🦱🚋🏙🌃 51:23 Another hundred people (part:2)👩🏻‍🦱🚋🏙🌃 54:54 Another hundred people (final)👩🏻‍🦱🚋🏙🌃 58:15 Getting Married Today👰🏻💍🥴🥵😰💥🥰😍😃🎩🤵🏻 1:15:36 Marry Me a Little 🤗☺️😊😌💍 1:14:20 ACT #2 1:26:07 Side by Side by Side"/"What Would We Do without You? 👫👫🕺🏻👫👫👫🙌🏻🤗🥰😍😘😙😜😎 1:35:46 Poor Baby (part:1)😰🥺🤮👎🏻👩🏻‍✈️ 1:43:21 Poor Baby (Finale)😰🥺🤮👎🏻👩🏻‍✈️ 1:45:10 Barcelona 😏☺️😌🤫👋🏻😘 1:56:53 The Ladies Who Lunch 🍸🥪🌅 2:08:58 ✨COMPANY✨ (reprise:2) 2:09:39 Being Alive (someone) 😭😩😫😖 2:11:48 Being Alive (somebody) 😭😫😫😖🤷🏻‍♂️ 2:17:07 Finale

[@itamarolmert3549]

Who even needs George Furth's libretto, these emoji tell the story better.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

So enjoyed seeing this. I've enjoyed Adrian Lester in all the brit tv show imports we get, didn't know he could sing. This show was so way ahead of its time. I saw the original in NYC in 1971 on a senior high school trip, but with Larry Kert and not Dean Jones.

[@williamgardiner2010]

The Donmar production by Sam Mendes was highly praised at the time for putting most of the action as a memory within a coke addled Bobby’s head.

[@mikehired1520]

I love Neil Patrick Harris and the NY Philharmonic production of "Company" but it seems a bit like fluff after watching the Donmar production with Adrian Lester. This is a more serious look at Bobby. For those who have trouble with Lester's performance which I think is stunning (Watch his reactions and his face. Watch his pain.), it's maybe helpful to recall what SS said in his intermission interview the the director, Sam Mendes: "What you've made clear, as the director, is that it's something that takes place inside the hero's head, and by doing that, you've reversed the polarity, so to speak, of the show's reputation. It's always been known as the show with a lot of fascinating characters, and a cipher at the center. And suddenly, here's a show in which the most interesting character is the one at the center, and it's been restored to its natural balance. Here's a piece about this man, and it's taking place inside his head, and he's in trouble. Now let's see what happens."

[@michaelmouse1]

MikeJanus 1 - you echo my thoughts perfectly!

[@tomshea8382]

"Company A Musical Comedy"

[@cameronnorris220]

This is a nice interpretation of the show. Not even comparable to the 2006 revival on Broadway.

[@michaelmouse1]

Wow! I’ve seen so many productions of “Company” but I have to say this was most delightful! The acting is so good! I haven’t seen such a relatable ‘Bobby’ interpretation as this one - an extraordinarily realistic one. Fabulous cast!

[@StringSun]

I listen to this version of Barcelona all the time. It’s so wonderful ♥️

[@GavinBrockMusic]

I saw this when it was broadcast quite by accident, then (not quite sure what I was seeing, but very excited by it) ran downstairs and recorded it on VHS from 'Have I Got A Girl For You'. Then spent my adolescence and most of my adult like absolutely hooked on Sondheim. This production, directed by the brilliant Sam Mendes, remains my favourite.

[@ritatitotu]

I LOVE this version of the show. The singing is not great, but the acting is terrific! Sophie Thompson is perfect as Amy, and her scene is heart-breaking. It may not be the best to show Sondheim's work, but it's the production (that I have seen) that better explorer George Furth's book.

[@dizzymisslizzy4569]

This is my favorite production

[@ImNotOdd]

its good! idk why everyone hates it so much

[@cindiv.5621]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS - now I can FINALLY say I've seen a Donmar production!!!

[@cliveoflegend]

This is by far the best production of Company I've seen so far, thanks much for posting this!

[@kurtjackberhalter1537]

Thank you,for posting this version of Company! What an excellent ensemble,they really grew on me! Thank you,again this is a jewel! I would pay to see these actors anywhere!

[@luisarmandoroche919]

Company is one of Sondheim´s finest!

[@funnymankt92]

I love how this production does a cocaine induced Side by Side... but then cuts the sex dance Tick Tock . If any production fits that number it’s this one 😂

[@reygonzalez-montelongo3009]

I'll be honest I don't think it's terrible as some have said. There are some cringy parts in this production but I still enjoyed it.

[@danielledavis1524]

i am so in love with Adrian Lester. love everything about him.

[@OtisLePoOtis]

I really love this production and how it isn't just trying to be like the original

[@garymortimer1482]

What fun. Reminds me of when I did Side by Side by Sondheim at an Equity Waver Theatre years ago...

[@OriginalWildeWoman]

Thank you sooooo much for this. It remains the best production of this I have ever seen. Not that I'm biased about British theatre productions at all... although. Oh ok then, I am.

[@mechantloup8975]

A brilliant and intimate production (for which Lester won a well-deserved Olivier award). Thank you for uploading it, since BBC has never made it available on DVD.

[@OtisLePoOtis]

I love how different this production is

[@DeliciousHotShmoze]

The vocals are not the best, but this cast is so clearly working their asses off. The acting and choreography are top notch.

[@adaydoesgoby6637]

This production is uh... Rough. However they nail the pacing and energy, and frame it in a very unique way, and the Joanne scene at the end is absolutely fantastic. I think company's biggest strength is the ability to do whatever you want with it and make a show worth watching, and this production demonstrates it well. I revisit it frequently.

[@antigonemerlin]

Adrian Lester's gestures and body language is amazing. The acting in this production has me completely engrossed.

[@functionoflightone]

Thank you for sharing this. I always enjoy seeing different productions... directors/actors do so much with the same basic material. This is the first production of Company that I've seen that didn't have an entire cast of strong singers.

[@Slowlondon]

Thank you, you uploading human!

[@carl_lindquist]

Really liked this video! All the best!!

[@nikiv116893]

Came here after watching Marriage Story

[@elenacicalini]

Me too!

[@sallymerrison4979]

I can watch this on KZbin on the big TV 🤗😘Me, Sally M., Dec. 9, 2019

[@brstfr7126]

oh, those "New York" accents....

[@makeittrue]

Lord, Joanne has a gift for singing flat and it stands out. Anna Francolini's gesturing is over the top as if she is singing in Convent Garden. She has an odd strange style by biting off her lower notes and a few mistakes here and there but great belting. Amy is one of my favorite characters in the show by far. I can't help it but I do like Sophie Thompson as Amy. Michael Simkins has a nice voice and Rebecca Front as the wedding singer? She is damn good! Yes, people mention the accents but how long did these performers have to put this show together? Not everyone can be Meryl Streep and she may have a lot more preparation time to create an accurate accent with no doubt a diction coach. I do admit that I prefer seeing it here for free than if I had paid a ticket price to see it live.

[@rachaeld.2361]

I love this version. I think this might be my favorite one I've seen. These feel like real people to me. Adrian Lester's rendition of "Being Alive" was absolutely incredible. Chills all over.

[@TheSkyZooTarot]

Amy's portrail, while singing, was dreadful. But when we get to the dialogue/text performance she was spot on for most of it. Maybe with the right directing and proper singing rehearsal she could've sung it better. It just shows you that acting always comes first, huh.

[@ImNotOdd]

acting tends to come first. imagine hearing beautiful sounds only to have the most uninteresting performance of a life time. it would just be a bunch of songs, and not a performance

[@guyaonline6385]

Austin Kennedy for example company 2006

[@shabberto]

Amazing blocking, sets and lighting! Any good quality copy of this out there?

[@TheZizamie]

I'm only about halfway through on this, but there really is something special about this production. The NPH and Esparza versions obviously have their strengths in both comedy and singing respectively, but they always felt too... flat. When people criticize Company for the underdeveloped characters or lackluster protagonist, I see those versions and think... yeaaaah. But this, this one is an achievement in acting. Once I saw how the dialogue between Sarah, Harry, and Bobby was both natural and subtle in its commentary, I was enthralled. I'm gonna keep going, but out of the three I've been seeing, this is the one that's captured me most.

[@tomt7138]

This Amy is so funny!

[@rabbitfishtv]

This is one of the most extraordinary productions I've seen of the show, one that makes a lot more sense of Bobby. "Being Alive" is still unearned, though. After wrestling with my dissatisfaction over this song and scene for years, I think I know why I find it such a cheat. No one comes to these conclusions about relationships in the abstract. We learn them in the context of the pain and joy of our relationships. We experience them and then, sometimes, enunciate them. I know this musical was trying to eschew conventional plot, but it would have made much more sense if he had ended up with one of his girlfriends at the end, and sung the song to her as well as himself. I know, I know, that's a rom-com ending for a dark show, but as it is, they're trying to have their cake and eat it, too. The musical tries to give the audience a positive ending, but it's in the abstract. The real ending to the musical, as presented, can only be dark and depressing, and that would be a pretty dead-ended night in the theatre.

[@katielusk813]

Harry was fantastic in sorry/grateful

[@knjjah2776]

this marta is insane lmaoo

[@nicemosaics]

The performances are garish. Everyone's kind of a parody. I have the feeling that the rehearsal process involved a lot of Mendes telling them "Bigger! Weirder! Drag it out!" and this is what they ended up with. It's gradually won me over. I just think it needed to be faster. Most of the songs and dialogue seem too slow.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

Although not the greatest production in the world, it is worth the watch for anyone who loves Company. The entire cast has gone beyond that "Camp" style of acting. There's no heart in their performances. It's like watching an animatronic performance. I find it sad, because they really could have had something really special. The placid acting spoiled the show.

[@amyclarke41]

Arts can be kool

[@ProfessorBroadway]

why do they keep saying "marrehd" ?

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

They're British. :D

[@rabbitfishtv]

I'm commenting again 7 years later. The New York accents are a bit outrageous. Everyone sounds like an old school cab driver.

[@katieauberle500]

1:03:19 just a bookmark for myself

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

A Zombie performance of what once was entertainment.

[@matthamilton875]

From seeing or watching a recording of this Neil Patrick Harris Raul and the genderswapped this this is the worst

[@anniezhou6918]

This gives me a high school theatre vibe…

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

2:18:04 I enjoyed him as Willy Wonka

[@tvaud]

No Kathy dance...

[@bemiatto67]

No Tick Tock 😔

[@stuartlee6622]

What's a doing there??

[@huburgalula4031]

Around 2:05:00

[@SolasOW]

1:20:16

[@keithm257]

I think this is the only way to act the book and sing the songs. I always suspect Sondheim actually likes how he himself sings despite what he says and sometimes writes a show to be performed entirely conversationally like this. The 'Good' singing in other productions of Company is tough for me

[@smileLP]

big fan of the show. this one is... interesting... a bit over the top at times, but my main criticism is, as good an actor as "bobby" is, and he is, he's just a bad singer. how do you cast the lead role in a professional production w/someone who can't really sing? again, great actor, but still...... i think i'm a bit of a purist, and, despite sondheims comments/approval, a bit too much revisionist history going on here, stylistically and otherwise. but, overall, despite my comments, still worth a view, and still entertaining

[@Kasino80]

Martha is abysmal.

[@dizzymisslizzy4569]

Kasino80 Really? I think she’s incredible! Hands down my favorite version of Another Hundred People

[@jongoldberg1451]

Sheila nailed it!

[@Maiasatara]

Wow. Sadly, another example of accents gone wrong. Never mind New Yorkers they don't even sound American and it really gets in the way. If they had just their real voices maybe the acting would have been better? Without that extra hurdle?

[@Maiasatara]

*if they had just USED their real voices

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

I don't think they're trying to sound American in the first place. The only two American accents are the one who actually is a Yankee and the one who's supposed to be a southern belle, and everyone I've ever heard playing that part overdoes her accent.

[@TheEddieLandsberg]

Am I the only person annoyed by the tempos though???

[@ChickenGeorgeClooney]

I really like Adrian Lester. I like a lot about this production. But a lot of the other actors are just not good, particularly Amy and Joanne.

[@koryhamblin]

W h a t

[@hayliecassidy711]

I just hate this version of April. Shes supposed to be naive not erratic. She is not book smart at all but she has a secret wisdom. This version just makes her seem like a toddler.

[@alicewilliams1276]

What an interesting video. How did such a rough community theater production get filmed professionally?

[@JCOdrjones]

@@alexandersticha710 I feel like the OG dude is making a joke at the production's expense

[@issadad]

I get the impulse to show some teeth, but it's not working for me. I don't know why anybody is on stage.

[@gabemcguire2871]

The awful American accents are amazing

[@angeldejesusorellanabartur2237]

Not getting married today 58:17

[@bobgarrett3367]

This is very disappointing... weak vocally & a lot of actors here seem to be trying too hard. The original is unbeatable... Stritch, McKechnie, Meyers, Barrie, Ralston, and the unforgettable Dean Jones... Shame.

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

You're not exactly comparing like with like here are you?

[@dommitchell4319]

Adrian Lester's singing voice is flat out terrible. Way too... Nasally? I don't know. It just doesn't sound clean.

[@heighbeut99]

He sounds so much like Christopher Walken! Holy SHUT

[@prestonfreec]

I think this production would be my favourite if it weren't for Shelia Gish. Gosh, she's horrible. She's just flat slurring for 2 and a half hours. Replace her with Elaine Stritch or Barbara Walsh and this would be my favourite production.

[@williamgardiner2010]

I saw this production several times at the Donmar before it transferred into the West End. Sheila Gish was exceptional live and received an Olivier for her performance. She was a wonderful Arkadina at Chichester Festival’s The Seagull memorably wearing an eye patch having had an eye removed. This was sadly her last performance. Ms Gish died of a brain tumour two years later, age 62.

[@c.w.r.794]

I thought the actress playing Amy was a guy in drag.

[@138seven]

I wish they would at least attempt facial expressions, body language, and any kind of dramatic reaction that wasnt terribly timed. So drab and mundane. My opinion, anyway.

[@mattmann18]

How is this acting considered good? The "Not Getting Married" scene is so cartoonish and awful...and why can no one sing? lol.

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

To me being able to sing means being able to hit, clearly, the melody line, whilst also enunciating, clearly, the words that accompany the melody line. Apparently to you it means something else.

[@lc1715]

Bobby’s accent is so painful. It’s so unnatural as to be...robotic. I couldn’t watch it.

[@RefugeeKLicious]

Hands down, simply the worst production I have seen. If your excuse is that this production had great acting despite the singing, you are deluding yourself. If the music wasn't important then this should have been a play. If the acting wasn't important, then this should have been an opera. But this is supposed to be a musical. The fact that people had the audacity to applaud after the company overture makes me question if we were even listening to the same musical. this was a prime example where pelting them with tomatoes is acceptable...

[@mylesharris3050]

RefugeeKLicious Everyone’s a critic 😒

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

Ooh, ooh, I think I know the answer to this one. The people applauded at the end because they'd /really enjoyed the show!/

[@dizzymisslizzy4569]

Interesting. I really like this production. It’s one of my favorites. (other than the 1970 cast, of course.) I thought the singing, acting, costumes, and set were all great

[@ivanofna]

what do you think is the best production then? the new London cast?