EDINBURGH: NERDAL PRODUCTIONS: Telling Wilde Tales til August 25th
TELLING WILDE TALES
Adapted by Jules Tasker and Roger Planer from the stories of Oscar Wilde
Nerdal Productions
Southside to August 25th (not 18th)
16.30
1 h 20mins. No interval.
TICKETS 0131 662 0900.
Review Danny Braverman 13 August
An interesting take on Oscar Wilde's fairy stories.
Oscar Wilde's fairytales have an enduring quality. Over a hundred years on and their simple constructions, melancholy and charged language still captivate.
Nerdal productions have created an interesting adaptation of four of the stories - using ensemble physical theatre and an original soundtrack to remain true to Wilde's spirit.
It's always difficult constructing a whole piece from disparate parts and this quartet of stories are all suitably poignant and connected by a storyteller, but probably not presented in the best order. The tellings of The Birthday of the Infanta and The Happy Prince are effective, with Wilde's lyricism sensitively underscored by some proficient and well rehearsed physical theatre. Unfortunately, the stories dwindle in theatricality. The Nightingale and the Rose is reprieved by enchanting singing from Helen Bruce, but the final story The Fisherman and his Soul is too light on energy and too heavy on earnest dialogue. So the show ends disappointingly.
Overall, this enterprising company - made up of youthful enthusiasts supported by some experienced heads - have delivered a show with some bright and compelling moments. With a bit of judicious editing and a stronger radar for theatrical cliché this could develop into a very fine show.
Simon Yadoo - The Soul
Jennie Cashman - Infanta
Rob Dawson - Little Dwarf
Veronica Saum - Swallow
Sam Hoare - The Happy Prince
Tom Morton - Student
Helen Bruce - Nightingale
Andy Roberts - Fisherman
Danielle Biddle - Mermaid
Maria Hodson - Priest
Ayesha Armstrong - Young Witch
Pascale Fanning-Tichbourne - Fire Witch
Rachel Peter - Wind Witch
Director and Choreographer - Tamara Fisch
Composer - Anna Clyne
Designer - Chris Clayton
Executive Producer - Pascale Fanning-Tichbourne/Fiorella Rossi
2002-08-15 11:19:23