Petty Men review – understudies plot their own version of Julius Caesar

Understudies Plot Their Own Version of Julius Caesar in Petty Men Review

A dimly lit dressing room with a pot plant on its deathbed and a bucket to catch the drips is the reality faced by understudies in a West End production of Julius Caesar. These players, often overlooked and underappreciated, may not have their own starring roles but bring an air of authenticity to the show.

As the 100th performance approaches, these "second-rate" actors take center stage with party hats, microwave popcorn, and a rehearsed run-through of the play they'll likely never deliver for real. Their story is one of unfulfilled potential, stuck in a perpetual state of waiting for their moment to shine.

In this understudy-led production, Petty Men, directed by Júlia Levai, we see a different side of Shakespeare's iconic play. The focus shifts from the politics and power struggles that drive the original narrative to the personal ambitions and relationships between the characters.

Adam Goodbody's Understudy Cassius, with his impeccable line delivery and preparedness, brings a sense of intensity to the role, while John Chisham's slouching colleague injects a touch of humor. Their dynamic serves as a microcosm for the fragile bond between Brutus and Cassius, which begins to fray as they navigate their rivalry.

The production itself is not without its flaws, with some critics labeling it "huff" – lacking in substance and depth. However, when given the chance, these understudies shine, offering a unique perspective on Shakespeare's classic tale.

Petty Men may feel like a narrow reading of Julius Caesar, focusing primarily on personal ambition rather than political conviction. Yet, this intimate portrayal highlights the human cost of power struggles and the consequences of our actions. As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that these characters' fates are inextricably linked to the fate of Rome itself.

Ultimately, Petty Men is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be an understudy, a supporting player in life's grand drama. By shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of theatre, the production raises important questions about identity, purpose, and the true meaning of success.

I just saw this and I'm still reeling from it Petty Men seems like such an interesting take on Julius Caesar. I mean, who would've thought that understudies could bring so much depth to a play? The way the director has woven their story into the main narrative is genius Adam Goodbody's Cassius is insane, I need to see him live And yeah, some critics might say it's lacking in substance, but for me, that's part of its charm. It's like a reminder that sometimes it's the people in the shadows who really make the story happen Anyway, just had to weigh in on this one

OMG u gotta see Petty Men its like they took all the feels from Julius Caesar and bottled them up for understudies 2 b real its soooo deep on how hard it is 2 be a supporting actor but not get 2 shine i mean Adam & John are literally my spirit animals lol their chemistry is everything tho i'm not gonna lie the production had some flaws but that's just part of the charm Petty Men made me realize being an understudy isn't all bad its actually pretty relatable tbh

I gotta say, I love how Petty Men flips the script on Julius Caesar . It's like, what if we're not just talking about the big leaders, but also the people who are stuck in the shadows? The understudies, you know? They bring a whole different energy to the show . Adam Goodbody as Cassius is giving me major feels , and John Chisham's got this hilarious deadpan thing going on . I mean, I'm not saying the production is perfect or anything, but it's definitely making me think about what it means to be a supporting actor in life . And can we talk about how relatable it is? Like, who hasn't felt like they're stuck in a perpetual state of waiting for their moment to shine?

OMG you guys, I'm totally obsessed with this new West End production of Julius Caesar! The understudies are bringing a whole new level of authenticity to the show, and I love how they're not afraid to poke fun at themselves. Adam Goodbody's performance as Cassius is giving me all the feels , and John Chisham's humor is perfectly on point . It's amazing how the production highlights the human cost of power struggles and the consequences of our actions - it's soooo thought-provoking! I'm also loving how it raises questions about identity, purpose, and what it means to be successful... it's like, totally relevant to my own life right now . Have you guys seen this production yet? You need to get tickets ASAP!

I think it's kinda cool how Petty Men is giving us a new perspective on Julius Caesar ... I mean, we're used to seeing the big names on stage, but these understudies are actually bringing a lot of heart to their roles ... I love how Adam Goodbody and John Chisham are making the most of their time in the spotlight , even if it's not for real ... And yeah, maybe it's not the most traditional take on Shakespeare's classic tale , but hey, that's what makes it so interesting ... I'm definitely intrigued to see how this production explores the human cost of power struggles and the consequences of our actions ... And can we talk about how relatable this is for anyone who's ever felt like they're stuck in a perpetual state of waiting for their moment to shine? ...

I'm not sure I'd call this " Petty Men" a genuine artistic innovation ... It sounds like just another shallow experiment trying to make some quick cash off Shakespeare's classic tale. Those understudies might bring a unique energy to their roles, but does that really add anything substantial to the story? For me, it feels like just another case of tech (in this case, theatre) being used to create buzz rather than deliver real substance

This play thingy Petty Men is like a weird experiment where the people who are waiting for their big break get to be the stars . It's like they're trying out for a role but it never comes through... they're stuck in limbo, waiting for their moment to shine. And I gotta say, watching them try to nail this iconic play without any major lines is kinda relatable? Like when you're practicing your presentation and you mess up the lines .

The way it shows the personal struggles between Brutus and Cassius is really interesting... like, what happens when people get caught up in their own ambitions vs. the bigger picture? It's not a traditional Julius Caesar story but more of an exploration of the human side of things .

I think it's kinda cool that they're bringing attention to these understudies who are often overlooked . Maybe we can all relate to feeling like we're waiting for our big break... or in this case, our chance to shine on stage .

I gotta say, I loved the new show Petty Men at the West End! It's like they took a normal play and turned it into something entirely new. The way they focused on the understudies was so cool, it felt like we were seeing Shakespeare's story from a different perspective. Adam Goodbody as Cassius was amazing, his line delivery was on point! And John Chisham's humor added this nice touch to the whole thing. I mean, who hasn't been in a situation where they're waiting for their big moment and feeling a bit slouchy ? But seriously, the way they explored the human cost of power struggles really made me think. It was like, what does it mean to be an understudy, really? Is it just about supporting the stars or is it about finding your own purpose in life? Anyway, I'd totally recommend checking out Petty Men if you haven't already!

I gotta say, this whole "understudies leading their own version" thing sounds like a bit of a snooze fest to me . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's cool that they're getting some recognition and all, but can we really make an entire play about people waiting for their big break? It feels like just another attempt to turn something mundane into art . And what's with the focus on personal ambition instead of the politics and power struggles? Doesn't that kinda miss the point of Shakespeare's whole thing?

I mean, can you imagine being stuck waiting for your big break? It sounds super stressful, especially when it feels like everyone else is getting their moment to shine. But at the same time, I think it's kinda cool that these understudies are taking center stage and making a show about themselves. Like, they're not just background actors, they're stars in their own right! It's all about perspective, right? Maybe being an understudy isn't so bad after all... maybe it's even kind of good for the soul?

I think Petty Men is kinda cool how it puts the focus on these understudies. It makes you realize that even though they're not in the main roles, they still have a lot to contribute to the show. Like, imagine if you were stuck waiting for your big break and all you could do was rehearse lines over and over? It's kinda relatable, right? I also love how it explores the human side of characters instead of just their politics and power struggles. It feels really authentic and honest. What do you guys think about understudies getting more recognition in theatre?

I think its pretty cool how Petty Men brings a fresh perspective to Julius Caesar by focusing on the personal stories of the understudies Instead of just being background actors, they get to shine in their own mini-stories and relationships within the play. Its like you're watching these characters go through their own little struggles and triumphs before our eyes And I love how the production makes us think about what it means to be a supporting player in life - are we just waiting for our moment to shine or do we have our own agency? Its not without its flaws, but Petty Men is definitely worth checking out for a new take on Shakespeare's classic tale

This production is actually kinda cool! I mean, who hasn't been an understudy at some point? It's like they're showing us that even those in the background are important The way it focuses on the personal relationships between the characters is really interesting too... I wonder if the actors were able to bring their own experiences as understudies to the role

I gotta say, I loved Petty Men! As someone who's been to a lot of plays, I think understudies get a bad rep. These guys may not be stars just yet, but they bring this raw energy to the stage that you don't always see from the main cast. Like, Adam Goodbody as Cassius, he nails it! And yeah, some people might say it's too focused on personal ambition, but I think that's what makes it so compelling. It's like, what would you do if you were stuck in the shadows all the time? Would you keep going for it or give up? It's a real question that resonates with anyone who's ever felt like they're not getting their shot.

So I was thinking, have you ever seen an understudy performance that really stood out to you? Like, in a West End show or something? It's crazy how they're not getting the recognition they deserve, you know?

I mean, Petty Men is like this super refreshing take on Julius Caesar. It's all about the personal stuff, like what drives these characters and why they do what they do. It's actually really thought-provoking.

But at the same time, I can see how some people might find it a bit lacking in terms of depth and substance. Like, is it just a 'huff' or something? Still, I think that's kinda the point - it's not always about grand politics and power struggles. Sometimes it's about what happens when you're on the sidelines, waiting for your turn.

What do you guys think? Have you seen anything like this before?

idk why ppl r sayin its just for under studies tho like whats wrong w those roles? i think its actually pretty cool that the actors r makin them their own & bringing a fresh vibe to the show. Adam Goodbody's understudy Cassius is straight fire btw! and John Chisham's humor adds such a nice touch, it feels like they're havin a real conversation not just reciting lines but i do get what critics mean by "huff" its like they r more focused on the characters than the bigger picture of ancient rome maybe thats the point tho?

I think its kinda cool how they're makin' the understudies the stars of their own show Petty Men is like a funny, introspective commentary on what it's like to be in that position – feelin' overlooked but still bringin' your A-game whenever you get your chance. Its not just about Julius Caesar, its about us humans and our motivations, ya know? I mean, Adam Goodbody's Cassius is low-key my spirit animal He's got so much potential but is stuck waitin' for his big break... feels relatable, lol!

I mean, can you imagine being stuck in that dressing room for hours waiting to go on stage, only to have your moment come and go without ever getting a real shot? It's like they're living the ultimate "what ifs" The way these understudies bring the characters to life is actually really relatable, especially with how Adam Goodbody's Cassius just totally owns that role . And let's be real, who hasn't had a moment where they felt like they're just playing second fiddle? Petty Men might not be Shakespeare at its finest, but it's definitely making you think about the people behind the scenes – and that's kinda powerful

I think its really cool how they've turned the spotlight onto the understudies. Its like, we're used to thinking of them as just, well, stand-ins for the real stars , but actually, they bring a level of realism and vulnerability to the show that's pretty awesome . And you're right, it makes us think about what it means to be overlooked or underappreciated in life... its like, we need more stories about people who aren't always in the spotlight . Petty Men might not be perfect, but I love how it humanizes these characters and shows that even the supporting players have their own journeys to tell .