IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, New Perspectives Theatre Company

Charles Way: IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER
New Perspectives Theatre Company, Tour Info 01623 635225
Runs: 1h 45m: one interval: till 28th Feb
Review: Jen Mitchell: Keyworth Village Hall, Nottingham: 25th January 2003

Theatre in the community at its best. An intriguing yet very accessible play, In The Bleak Midwinter is the thought provoking retelling of the second shepherds' play. Morals are brought into question throughout and yet there is no attempt to judge or to preach. The characters and audience are faced with problems and predicaments and they make the choices they make, with good or bad consequences, sometimes even both.

The simple shepherd Mac, his wife Miriam and their young baby are encamped on a hillside somewhere between Nottingham and Bethlehem, with Miriam making much of the fact that their predicament is due entirely to her husband and his 'principles'. Mac is determined to make the journey to Bethlehem to pay their council tax much to Miriam's disgust. Miriam is as sharp as a nail and seemingly as hard as rock, her shrew-like criticism of Mac laced with truisms that were obviously familiar to many audience members.

Richard Stone's Mac is straightforward, trusting soul who treats his flock as he would his children and sees goodness in everyone. Miriam's sharp tongue is often a cause of trouble.

Although a moral tale this version, like the original, has natural moments of comedy. A stolen sheep disguised as a baby gives rise to an hilarious, farcical sequence – the 'mother' tries to contain a baaing bag in which is supposed to be the child.

The four actors deliver this fine piece of writing beautifully and handle the seemingly simple characters well, revealing gradually the layers and depth of each personality. The use of traditional song throughout the piece delivers snippets of moral pointers – Ding Dong Merrily on High being used as a warning against adultery. The clarity and strength of four unaccompanied voices, whilst appealing to a deep emotion in us, is reminiscent of times past.

The rural setting is evoked effectively by a backdrop and floor cloth in earthy hues, as are the costumes. When I saw it the piece was performed with audience on three sides, apparently for the first time due to the layout of the venue. It worked perfectly for a piece that relies upon an intimacy with the audience.

Gill: Bryony Pritchard
Zac: Mick Strobel
Miriam: Carole Copeland
Mac: Richard Stone

Director: Gavin Stride
Lighting Director: James Holmes

2003-01-27 09:06:20