KING ARTHUR till 9 December.

KING ARTHUR
by Keith Dewhurst.

Arcola Theatre To 9 December 2006.
2hr 5min One interval.
Mon – Sat 8pm

TICKETS: 0207 503 1646.
Review: Harriet Davis 12 November 2006
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Promising but ultimately unfulfilling.

A well-meaning but muddled production from relative newcomers Shapeshifter and Berwick House Productions. Francis Kennedy plays legendary King Arthur, a deeply ambitious but world-weary leader in preparation for yet another epic battle. Accompanied by his (even wearier) wife and a handful of sex- starved soldiers, they come to rest in a remote village in the centre of the now-ruined empire.

The Arcola’s low-ceiling cellar space feels nicely in keeping with the era, damp, dishevelled and slightly too close for comfort. The promenade staging for the most part works well, and the live music, although underused, is largely effective. Subtle lighting creates a much-needed sense of time and space, and the tongue-in-cheek tone is initially endearing.

However, the novelty soon wears thin. As the play progresses, the fractured style of the piece – with it’s juxtaposition of present and past – becomes jarring. Neither irreverent enough to serve as social satire, nor gutsy enough to really cut to the heart, its motives are unclear. The climactic dance sequence towards the end of the first act feels misplaced, as though we had suddenly shifted into darker territory. The modern asides only complicate matters and the plot wanders off on its own.

As is often the case with such self-conscious theatre, a greater effort is required on the part of the viewer. This world is only half-real, and therefore difficult for us to invest in. The first act is slow to develop; the second begins well but is compromised by a wordy, extended dream sequence that further delays the action. Shelley Islam is grossly miscast as Guenhumara, (Kennedy is twice her height and twenty years her senior), and though the rest of the cast make a valiant effort; little else has the power to drive the story.

Despite competent direction and some interesting flourishes – most notably the ‘horseback’ sequence and pre-battle taunting – the production remains limited.

Hayseed: Alice Barclay.
Germanicus: Marc Baylis.
Claudius / Pompey’s Father: David Brett.
Frida: Susie Emmett.
Julia: Ann Firbank.
Guenhumara: Shelley Islam.
Artorius: Francis Kennedy.
Hannibal: Matt Jamie.
Merlin: Robin Samson.
Pompey / Medraut: Sidney Smith.

Directors: John Terry, Mike Bartlett.
Designer: Alex Marker.
Lighting: Richard Williamson.
Composer: Sarah Llewellyn.

2006-11-13 09:58:01