ARABIAN NIGHTS till 8 January

ARABIAN NIGHTS The Watermill until 8th January 2005
Adaptation: Neil Duffield
Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Review by Stewart McGill - 13/12/04

Neil Duffield's adaptation leads to a dull and bland evening.
I always look forward to visiting the Watermill in deepest Berkshire. This tiny converted mill is a real powerhouse of creativity and inspiration. The Christmas show this year in Neil Duffield's miniature telling of Arabian Nights and for me was a little disappointing. It's certainly not bad at all and will provide lots of enjoyment for audiences but my concern is that after a series of highly imaginative, evocative stagings of tales in previous years this time it is rather dull, bland and lacking in overall style.

Perhaps this show is the victim of previous successes here and I would still place it above a vast majority of other seasonal shows. The cast of five not only play a range of roles but are talented instrumentalists delivering Janie Armour's score that punctuates the action. Andy Brereton directs one story with a few other elements from the tales. It's all swiftly played and enjoyable especially the puppet manifestation of the Jinnee after the interval. I wanted more of this when the production seemed to ignite.

Gary McCann has designed a sculptural set that evokes the East and provides a visual compliment to the traditional Arabian style costumes, this works well although did not shift in mood too much as the locations were kept simple and basic.

I have seen other directors here make audiences forget the size of the stage where the only limit is the imagination here I felt the actors were at times cramped and lacking space, looking a little awkward at times. So, as ever, good productions values, well designed and costumed, if lacking the usual Watermill magic. However it is important that new directors, designers, and actors are introduced to the house in order for the lifeblood of the place to thrive and go forward. Next up at this address is the long awaited return of Edward Hall's propeller outfit in The Winter's Tale.

Cast: Shahzaman/Kasim: Ryan Coatly, Sheherazad/Merchant/Healer Woman: Sarah Groarke, Dunyazad/Marjiana: Natasha Moore, Grand Wazir/Jawan: Robin Samson, Shahryar/Ali: Matthew Woodyatt.

Creative Team: Director: Andy Brereton, Music Director: Janie Armour, Designer: Gary McCann, Lighting: Lawrence T. Doyle, Sound: Gary Dixon

2004-12-21 09:25:19