Merlin and the Winter King. To 22 January.
Derby
MERLIN AND THE WINTER KING
by Karen Louise Hebden
Derby Playhouse To 22 January 2005
Mats 2.30. 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th Dec.
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th Jan.
Audio-described Sat 8th Jan 2.30, Wed 19th Jan 7.30
BSL Signed 8 Jan 2.30pm 20 Jan
Backchat 20 Jan
Runs 2hr 35min One interval
TICKETS: 01332 363275
www.derbyplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 10th December 2004
Derby moves away from traditional Christmas fare and brings us a midwinter legend aimed at older children and adults.The legend of King Arthur and Merlin is familiar but to see it brought to life in this stunning production is a revelation.
Set in a mini ice age, the play draws from the many different legends that have grown from the characters of Merlin and Arthur but the power that they have had over people's imaginations for hundreds of years is drawn together to create a beautiful tale of magic, treachery and love.
Therre's an intriguing sttructure to the plot, the play opening midway through the story. The past is revealed through Merlin's storytelling with enacted scenes slowly revealing layer upon layer of intrigue leading to the time we find ourselves at. The action then builds up through battles of passion and power to a powerful climax.
Some beautiful ensemble singing of medieval sounding vocal harmonies along with a wonderfully sparse yet icy set make for a haunting and atmospheric evening. Merlin's power and the revelation of the stone and lake through bursts of flame are made all the more stunning in contrast.
There are fine performances throughout. The young Arthur, Adriano Corgiolu, is particularly confident and handles the role with ease. Laura Sanchez in her first professional engagement, as Morgan, is a powerful temptress.
But it is Ben Roberts as Merlin who steals the show. He presents a character that is at once warm and human and yet strong and magnificent in his powerful, magical form. He suffuses the piece with humour and his antics and gentle comedy at the opening of the play relax the audience into a lull that does not prepare them for the spectacle of the evening to come.
Uther: Michael Cahill
Ygraine: Selina Chilton
Lot/Lyd/Rheged: Stephen Finegold
Arthur: James Hedley
Company: Sam Laydon
Company: Simon Pontin
Merlin: Ben Roberts
Ambrosius/Gorlois/Cador: Alistair Robins
Morgan/Lady of the Lake: Laura Sanchez
Ector: Rick Savery
Red Team: Nicholas Bentley, Aimee Carr, Adriano Corgiolu, Justine Lee
Blue Team: Hayley Cameron, Pablo Egbuna-Ruiz, Samantha Fletcher, Simon Joseph Humphris
The Band
Musical Director: Kelvin Towse
Whistle, Tenor Recorder, Saxophone: Rebecca Coxon
Drums and Percussion: Mark Evans, Michael Davis.
Director: Stephen Edwards
Designer: Neil Irish
Lighting Designer: Tina Machugh
Composer: Kelvin Towse
2004-12-13 00:20:18