Claire: Oh, I'm glad that's over. It honestly wasn't my kind of thing. All that melodrama and boring dining - table conversation.
Vincent: Really? You must have completely different taste from me. It had me on the edge of my seat.
Claire: Look, the set and costumes were amazing. I'll give you that. It really transported you back into the 19th century. But the plot was awfully predictable.
Vincent: Oh come on! The story had some unexpected twists and turns, I thought. The lead actress... What's her name - Vera Styles, is very talented, too. You could see she had really immersed herself in the part and her character was well developed. I think the director did a fine job.
Claire: You're right about the lead actress; she played her part very well. But that's about all you can say. The story was just so slow-paced. It was enough to make you fall asleep at some parts.
Vincent: Well, I'd have to disagree with you. And I thought the ending was a great surprise, when the real murderer was revealed.
Claire: Yes, I suppose that was a bit of surprise...
Vincent: Besides, it was also about the character and what they felt. A play isn't just about the story, you know.
Claire: That's just the point. I found it much too sentimental and corny. When I go to the theatre I want to have a good laugh. Perhaps I just don't get these tragedies.
Vincent: Well, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. Next time let's try a comedy.
Claire: Yeah, you know we both get on better with those!
Vincent: OK, the 39 Steps is playing at the Windmill Theatre next month. It's a comic version of the old classic. Do you fancy going?
Claire: That would be great. I always like remakes, and if it's comedy, even better!
Vincent: Right. I'll book tickets, then.
Key language:
Find in the text phrases corresponding to the following ones:
It was very exciting and you want to know what is going to happen next. - (It had me on the edge of my seat.)
It wasn't my cup of tea. - (It honestly wasn't my kind of thing).
Choose the correct meaning of the following words:
immerse - 1. to put someone or something deep into a liquid so that they are completely covered
2. to become completely involved in an activity
corny - 1. too silly and repeated too often to be funny or interesting
2. naive and sentimental
Keys:
A1 2 A2 2 A3 1 A 4 3