KING ARTHUR. To 9 December.

London.

KING ARTHUR
by Keith Dewhurst.

Arcola Theatre 27 Arcola Street E8 2DJ To 9 December 2006.
Mon-Sat 8pm Mat Sat 3pm.
Runs 2hr 5min One interval.
TICKETS: 0207 503 1646.
Review: Harriet Davis 10 November.

A tongue-in-cheek exploration of the welll-worn gap between history and myth that never quite transcends its humble beginning.
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 its 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 an audience 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.

Also surprising is the lack of physicality. With a few notable exceptions – specifically the ‘horseback’ sequence and pre-battle face-off – there is very little of Shapeshifter’s trademark creativity. Despite competent direction and some interesting flourishes 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.

2006-11-12 22:57:14