Sir Peter Shaffer, 1926-2016

[Stanley Stewart]

Saddened to hear the news of Peter Shaffer's death at 90. I recall seeing Five Finger Exercise at the Comedy Theatre, London, in 1958, a time when I was settling for life in the capital. He brought a sharp perception to his portayal of a dysfunctional family at a time when the 'french window' play was in serious decline. John Gielgud's production enjoyed a lengthy run of several years and the play launched the careers of Brian Bedford and Michael Bryant. However, Shaffer also registered at the emerging National Theatre at the Old Vic with a succession of plays which demonstrated his versatility. The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Equus and particularly Peter Hall's production of Amadeus, 1979, which triggered a ferocious debate in the national press over several months - I always think of the 1970s as the glory days of the NT. RIP, Sir Peter Shaffer.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

A master of the portrayal of the individual confronted with phenomena beyond his understanding - and ultimately confronted with damaging self-knowledge. A much undervalued dramatist

[Pianorak]

Sex is only important if it goes wrong (Five Finger Exercise). Quoting from memory, hopefully correctly. RIP, Sir Peter Shaffer

[Conchis]

Peter Shaffer was the first modern playwright I discovered. At the age of 12/13, I was in love with Equus and The Royal Hunt Of The Sun. I though they were two of the greatest plays ever written.

I don't think that now - and nor does any mature adult. But Shaffer was very influential in getting young people interested in theatre and for that, he deserved to be thanked.

The most successful dramatist in the world - in commercial terms. He always struck me as a much nicer proposition than his rather demonic twin brother, Anthony.

[DracoM]

Yes, RIP Peter Shaffer.
Directed Royal Hunt of the Sun twice. Heck of a thing, but wonderful on stage.

[gurnemanz]

Yes, RIP Peter Shaffer.
Directed Royal Hunt of the Sun twice. Heck of a thing, but wonderful on stage.

Very sorry to have missed that. The only play of his we have seen live is Amadeus with Frank Finlay memorable as Salieri.

[DracoM]

Colin Blakely as Pizarro, Robert Stephens as Atahualpa at Old Vic. Spectacular and moving.

[Keraulophone]

David Suchet (Salieri), Michael Sheen (Mozart), David McCallum [!] (Joseph I), dir. Peter Hall - also memorable.

P.S. - R.I.P.

[Tevot]

Hello there,

Fond memories of Milos Forman's film adaptation of Amadeus with F Murray Abraham as Salieri. In many respects, Amadeus remained a work in progress as Shaffer continued to revise the script for each new production. I will have to track down Equus and Royal Hunt at some stage...

Best Wishes,

Tevot