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Theatre
2004 |
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All's
Well that Ends Well |
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This Shakespeare production
is not one that I know very well, it apparently has the reputation
of being a 'problem play'.
We are accustomed to
Shakespearian productions being updated and this version of
‘Alls well that ends well’ is no exception.
Ariel Productions based at Cambridge University specialise
in staging Shakespearian and renaissance drama.
The company have used 1950’s costumes and ‘Rock and
Roll’ songs in an interesting and entertaining way.
The tiny performance area
was unfortunately made even smaller by the permanent placement of
the band ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’, Simon Jackson, Steffan
Jones and Ben Lucock along with all their equipment. They were
frequently used as part of the action but had to be worked round.
Not knowing the storyline,
well I got a little confused at times. If I hadn’t read the
programme just before the start of the performance I might have
been even more confused. This apart, I enjoyed the show and liked
the portrayal of all the different characters. The inclusion of
‘Rock and Roll’ numbers added humour and an extra dimension to
the production. Helena
(Ruth Abbott) the central character follows her heart and almost
moves heaven and earth to gain the love of Bertram (Brooke
Morriswood) who is equally determined not to have anything to do
with her. Aided by
Bertram’s mother (Avril Sands), the King (Duncan Barrett) and
Diana (Catherine Kitsis) the Florentine woman Bertram attempts to
woo, Helena is able to fullfil the seemingly impossible conditions
placed on her, before becoming accepted into Bertram’s arms and
heart.
The role of Parolles is the
centre of most of the comedy played whole-heartedly by Joe Thomas
who seems to be having a great time.
Had this production had a
larger performance area it would have been easier on the cast but
would loose the intimacy and sense of being a fly on the wall.
*** |
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Fringe Programme page
number; 127
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Company;
Ariel Productions
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Venue
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Dates
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9th to 21st August 2004 (not
15th,)
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Times
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13-25 to 14-55
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| Fringe
news 2004 |
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