I have to admit that writing this review of THE MAYFLY AND THE FROG is a bit odd for several reasons. First, I note that it is the first review of this production (and I hope is stimulates some better ones if it is read by people who recall the production). Second, my memories of the play are very slight. And I regret that because Felicity Kendal and Sir John Guilgud were the two stars, and Dennis Potter wrote the play. For those reasons it deserves a fuller review than I can offer.
Guilgud (like Olivier and Richardson) was perfectly at home working in the medium of television. As a result all three left performances in television plays and series that are still quite glorious to watch. For example, watch Olivier's performance in the series LOST EMPIRES by J.B.Priestly, where he plays a comic vaudevillian who has become old hat and is driven to suicide - it was one of Olivier's last television performances, and is only a cameo appearance in the series (it was only in one of the episodes) but it was memorable. Similarly Guilgud would do plays like this one, or like Old John of Gaunt in the complete BBC Shakespeare series' RICHARD II, and would deliver great performances.
The plot for this play is about a very wealthy millionaire named Gabriel Quantara, who's existence is invaded by the charming but seemingly naive girl (played by Kendall). From initially resentment at the accidental intrusion, Guilgud (the "Frog" of the story) soften considerably towards Kendall ("the "Mayfly"). The scene in his millionaire's home, where she wonders at the objects that are in it was particularly memorable to me - she examines a large aquarium full of fish, and finds one biting her finger. He explains it is full of piranha fish. Guilgud finds himself caring for the girl, and eventually worrying when she faints in the apartment - not quite knowing how to handle this situation.
And here, I must admit, the vagueness of memory pursues me - I don't recall how the play ended, except they don't marry. The girl leaves. Hopefully someone (as I said before) will have a clearer idea of the story. I do recall it was a charmingly acted play.
Guilgud (like Olivier and Richardson) was perfectly at home working in the medium of television. As a result all three left performances in television plays and series that are still quite glorious to watch. For example, watch Olivier's performance in the series LOST EMPIRES by J.B.Priestly, where he plays a comic vaudevillian who has become old hat and is driven to suicide - it was one of Olivier's last television performances, and is only a cameo appearance in the series (it was only in one of the episodes) but it was memorable. Similarly Guilgud would do plays like this one, or like Old John of Gaunt in the complete BBC Shakespeare series' RICHARD II, and would deliver great performances.
The plot for this play is about a very wealthy millionaire named Gabriel Quantara, who's existence is invaded by the charming but seemingly naive girl (played by Kendall). From initially resentment at the accidental intrusion, Guilgud (the "Frog" of the story) soften considerably towards Kendall ("the "Mayfly"). The scene in his millionaire's home, where she wonders at the objects that are in it was particularly memorable to me - she examines a large aquarium full of fish, and finds one biting her finger. He explains it is full of piranha fish. Guilgud finds himself caring for the girl, and eventually worrying when she faints in the apartment - not quite knowing how to handle this situation.
And here, I must admit, the vagueness of memory pursues me - I don't recall how the play ended, except they don't marry. The girl leaves. Hopefully someone (as I said before) will have a clearer idea of the story. I do recall it was a charmingly acted play.
