To the Theatre Royal on the Haymarket this evening for the opening night of The Last Confession starring David Suchet (pictured right). The title will immediately resonate with those of who us who profess to be Catholic. I remember being ousted from a confessional box in St Peter's in Rome once by an incandescent Maltese friar who told me I was putting a relationship with an other human being before my relationship with Jesus Christ. I was refused absolution on that occasion!
I wholeheartedly recommend this production. Dramatic thriller (kept me on the edge of the row all evening, handy for the champagne bar). The circumstances surrounding the death of the late Pope John Paul the First has provided no end of intrigue, story books etc. I suppose we will never know the actual truth of what happened. Next year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the event and many of the personalities who served at the Papal Court at the time are now rejoicing with the Lord (we hope). The Pope's former secretary, Monsignor John Magee, (pictured left) is still toiling in the vineyard of Cloyne at Cobh. If you have any questions about the facts of what happened on 28 September 1978, why don't you give Bishop Magee a call on +353 21 4811430. You may get voicemail!
The Last Confession explores the exercise and corruption of power, not only (seemingly) endemic in the Vatican in 1978, but in influential institutions everywhere, where the need to present a uniformed front is paramount. A must see, especially for Catholics, nominal or otherwise! ***** rating.
