Shakespeare's late play of reconciliation is a firm favourite and its
disparate qualities range from tragedy to pastoral comedy and finally
a kind of resurrection in the statue scene at the end, something that was a highlight in Richard Oswald's we
ll conceived, sensibly cut
presentation.
The action flowed fluently, the principal actors spoke out strongly and the various moods of the action were well intigrated.
Catching the contrasts of Sicilia and Bohemia proved elusive, though, and the sea seemed notably absent. But the bear scene went off well with a truly awesome beast.
It's an inspired moment of black comedy and drew from the author his only recorded stage direction: 'Exit pursued by bear.' The music and singing made a pleasing dimension to the proceedings and Nick Roughton brought a guitar to his chat-up line as the rogue Autolycus, 'a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles.'
Graeme Muncer's Leontes, though, dominated the early scenes and the climax with the commitment and drive of his playing. He made jealousy seem like a clinical illness. Ian Henham's faithful Camillo was also a vital cog in the plot's machinery, and Rob Crawford Clarke made a squeeky clean figure as the suspected Polixenes.
Heather McFarlane-Cryer had the required spunk for the much putupon Hermione, and Helen Haines made a feisty Perdita, a queen of curds and cream, although it was a pity she had to make the character's much loved speech about flowers so far up-stage that most of it was lost
in the bushes.
The best female, role, is probably Paulina and Jane Haines brought the
required bravery and intelligence to the part. Florizel, often regarded as a milk and water character, was effectively delineated by Jack Bridgewater, who was a worthy partner for Perdita.
The shepherds and shepherdesses introduced a touch of the Cotswolds to the proceedings – no bad thing –and Peter Bates spoke out expressively
as the chorus, Time.
Costumes were convincingly traditional, and the false beards added to the fun. The evening birdsong, moths in the lights, a distant barking dog, and a glass or two, added to the magic of the occasion and the occasional jet seemed a small price to pay.
Indeed, a night to remember.
