BLOOD AND ICE. To 15 November.
Edinburgh
BLOOD AND ICE
by Liz Lochhead
Royal Lyceum Theatre To 15 November 2003
Tue-Sat 7.45pm Mat 5,8,12,15 November 2.30pm
Audio-described 6 November, 8 November 2.30pm (+ Touch Tour at 12.30pm)
BSL Signed 11 November
Runs 2hr 15min One interval
TICKETS: 0131 248 4848
Review Timothy Ramsden 29 October
Early Lochhead brought back to life in a more than fairly honourable defeat.Liz Lochhead's first play confused many people in 1982, including, it would seem, the author. She's revised it thoroughly since and now it's quite clear for anyone who knows about romantic poets Shelley and Byron, plus Mary Shelley and her parents.
She Mary Wolstonecrof -, had written a far-seeing book A Vindication of The Rights of Women, its title presumably referring to that of Tom Paine's justification of the French Revolution The Rights of Man. So, there's Mary, circa 1816, post-modern irony only one generation back. It's a reminder that historical costume here doesn't mean stuffy Victorianism to come, but takes us back to the afterglow of 18th century radical ferment.
Theatre Babel's Graham McLaren designs an elegant creamy house, large doorways suggesting roominess, openness of mind as well as (deceptive?) affluence. Kai Fischer's lighting guides through time-shifts. There are bravura moments, including Shelley's triumphantly baring all (rear-view only for all except the French Maid upstage how about the rights of servants?), Lord Byron swaggering in, and a beautiful, prolonged quiet moment as all set-to writing a gothic tale.
This contrasts the offstage roar (jarring modern amplification) of the beast. For, despite her mother and an equally radical father, Mary's story Frankenstein is the one that's lasted. This tale of darkness emerged from a close-quarters daughter of the Enlightenment, like a racist remark from a modern liberal shocked at their self-revelation. And unbidden, while Mary's later attempt at significance, The Last Man, has faded without trace.
As for woman's rights, Mary's step-sister Claire Clairmont is abandoned as she lugs Byron's baby around with the group.
The script is full of ideas and is capably played. Yet despite the lightness of touch and intensity of the capable performances, it doesn't leap to stage life. Memories of Howard Brenton's fiercer, more controlled view of the same characters in Bloody Poetry doesn't help.
Mark Thomson is brave to give the new version airing in his first artistic season here. There are interesting moments in script and production. But Lochhead the dramatist has moved vast measures on since 1982. Let's look to the future.
Mary Shelley: Lucianne McEvoy
Byron: Alex Hassell
Shelley: Phil Matthews
Claire: Susan Coyle
Elise: Michelle Rodley
Percy-Florence: Iona Thomas-Yates/Thomas Lannon/Ellen-Aimee Black
Director/Designer: Graham McLaren
Lighting: Kai Fischer
2003-11-03 23:15:03