A DOLL'S HOUSE To 26 September.
Exeter.
A DOLL’S HOUSE
by Henrik Ibsen translated by Samuel Adamson.
Exeter Northcott To 26 September 2009.
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Sat & 23 Sept 2.30pm.
Audio-described/BSL Signed/Post Show Talk 24 Sept.
Runs 2hr 20min One interval.
Tickets 01392 493493.
www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
Review: Rupert Bridgwater 16 September.
Stunning set marks Northcott’s new artistic director’s debut.
It’s hard to understand the social upheaval Nora caused. Signing her father’s name, eating macaroons and borrowing money for a holiday seems normal today, but in 19th century Norway it was like making jokes about God in Mecca. If it was restaged in Saudi Arabia then a woman refusing to wear a veil, flirting with men and having the occasional gin and tonic might create a similar storm to the one Henrik Ibsen’s 1889 play did.
The one action that still shocks is Nora leaving her kids. It’s the reason this drama still causes debate, along with a sharp intake of breath at the end. How could she - when Daisy Conibear as Emmy and Ollie Barefoot as Ivor are absolutely adorable in their yellow and black outfits?
From the moment Claire Calbraith’s Nora bursts onto Janet Bird’s monochrome set in a vivid blue bustled gown, she dominates proceedings. Calbraith covers all six sides of the hexagonal stage with five-star capriciousness and heavily-corsetted coquettishness. Her acting overpowers husband Torvald; Pieter Lawman is much too weak to be believed. He doesn’t seem even to fancy her, despite her considerable charms.
Not so Howard Saddler’s Dr Rank, who is too full of life. Instead of being her fading admirer and family friend, Saddler looks like he might elope with her. Clearly, dying of syphilis is good for the health.
The rest are excellent: Heidi Dorschler’s Kristine has her tricky character of half-friend-half-detractor just right, Rupert Holliday Evans is perfect as the angry and resentful Nils Krogstad – even conjuring-up sympathy for the spiteful bank clerk; and Wendy Brierley as the institutionalised servant is more than just an Upstairs Downstairs cut-out. She too has a story to tell – but with all too few words from Ibsen.
Apart from Calbriath’s outstanding and refreshing portrayal, the star of Rebecca Manson Jones’ first in-house production for the Northcott is the set. The theatre’s stripped to the walls and the extraordinary hexagonal stage demands attention. It’s uncluttered and spectacular brilliant. With Tim Mascall’s lighting, and vivid costumes, this makes an impressive debut for the theatre’s new artistic director.
Anne-Marie: Wendy Brierley.
Nora: Clare Calbraith.
Kristina Linde: Heidi Dorschler.
Torvald: Pieter Lawman.
Dr Rank: Howard Saddler.
Nils Krogstad: Rupert Holliday Evans.
Director: Rebecca Manson Jones.
Designer: Janet Bird.
Sound: Duncan Chave.
Lighting: Tim Mascall.
Choreographer: Imogen Knight.
2009-09-21 01:00:52