DON QUIXOTE RIDES AGAIN till 9 July

DON QUIXOTE RIDES AGAIN: by Chris Bond based on the characters created by Miguel de Cervantes, Music by Jo Collins
Birmingham Rep Theatre: 0121 236 4455
Runs: 2h 30m, one interval, till 9 July
Review: Rod Dungate, 28 June 2005

Moving retelling, Matthew Kelly is marvellous, the music is indifferentChris Bond's version for the Birmingham Rep (written for professional actors and a large community cast) of the adventures of this most famous of Dons is surprisingly moving. This is not just a story of some old duffer who does a lot of daft things . . . Bond ensures it's framed strongly by the religious persecution of the period (aka the Inquisition); the story then, clear as a bell, is about desperate religious oppression and control.

The strength that follows is much to do with Matthew Kelly's superb performance as Quixote. Kelly pulls off the marvellous trick of combining the naiveté of an old man losing his mind with an aristocratic nobility (here Kelly's tall frame is an absolute bonus). Kelly's Don is the true innocent abroad, and, as dreamer, is a real threat to the State's obsession for obedience matched only by its hatred for anything different.

Kelly judges his long set speeches perfectly those, for instance against gold or against the hoarding of grain for profit; he is impassioned, lets the truth shine through without taking his eye off the overall tone of the play. This is where Bond's writing as its best too; toughly political.

George Costigan (Sancho Panza) is a perfect match. This clownlike figure darts about, ever downtrodden, but rises marvellously to the grand manner as he gathers fighters to save his Don and undercuts all in a sudden, hilarious faint. Have your cake and eat it the rule works perfectly.

Jo Collins's music is a sad disappointment; it lacks real character or personality and sounds remarkably like community show music. There are two good numbers however, the bordello number and a chunky chorus WE ARE THE ENGLISH the performances in both these are high spots.

From time to time Bond struggles too hard to make his play 'relevant' though. A reference to the present Pope, Ratzinger, while we may agree with it, feels awkward and references to Birmingham's Bullring are frankly incomprehensible.

Much to be admired is Amy Steel's Dulcinea and a marvellous flock (pack?) of shimmying vultures. And not forgetting (how could I?) a horse and a donkey in Ellen Cairns' effective and elegant designs.

Cast
Matthew Kelly: Don Quixote
George Costigan: Sancho Panza
David Fielder: Tomas De Torqumada

with
Julie Baker, Chris Beebee, David Berrisford, Emma Boyle, Mark Breeze, Daniel Brisco, Lisa Carney, Rachel Clearly, Ellis Creez, Andrew Dowbiggin, Matthew Gosnay, Matthew Granaghan, David Hendrickson, Ramona Hodge, Alan Kelly, Anita Kenny, Helen Keough, Di Mannion, Claire Martin, John McGowan, Marlene McKenzie, Katharine Marshall, Kenneth Meeson, Jon Meredith, Leon Mills, Petra Moore, Kerry O'Carroll, Kate Pullen, Adam Quest, Jonathan Raxster, Sheena Raxster, Katie Rowley, Remarna Sheehan, Amy Steel, John Tipton, Andy Weeks, Carrie Ann Wilcox, Becky White, Sharon Whyte

also
Stephen Barrett, Shenola David, Iesha Green, Rosie Kemp, Peter Raxster, Beth Sherburn, Ellie Sherburn, Emma Simpson, Bethany Thomas-Gammack

Written and Directed by: Chris Bond
Composer and Musical Director: Jo Collins
Associate Director: Richard Hayhow
Designer: Ellen Cairns
Lighting: Jim Simmons
Choreographer: Emily Gardner
Additional Movement: Thomas Doyle

2005-06-30 12:47:29