MOLL FLANDERS. To 22 October.
Tour.
MOLL FLANDERS
adapted from the novel by Daniel Defoe by Xavier Leret.
Kaos Theatre Company Tour to 22 October 2005.
Runs 2hr 30min One interval.
Review: Hazel Brown 20 September 2005 at Lighthouse Poole.
Brilliant, bawdy, production but don't take your maiden aunt to this shocking and funny romp.
The first shock of this production is finding Moll played by a man. Ralf Higgins neatly segues from the author addressing the audience into the role of Moll by adding an astonishing red wig and an over-frock, echoing director Xavier Leret's contention that Moll is actually the voice of the author, as well as nodding in the direction of the 17th century's Molly houses. At the end of each section of the story, Moll/Defoe amusingly thanks the actors for their performances. Continuing the reversal of expectations, many of the male characters are played by the company's two women; they make a really good fist of it, too.
The story follows Moll's life from birth through poverty, prostitution and pick-pocketing to the happy ending when I was surprised only five actors lined up for the curtain call; I was sure there were at least nine involved. This is a brilliant, bawdy romp, with sexual acts from cunnilingus to fellatio enacted in shadow play or under skirts.
The set opens and closes to reveal windows and secret panels, a bed that slides in and out, while actors appear and disappear sinuously through the various orifices. There is a wonderful sex scene as Moll and her lover roll and climb over the set; a frightening fire later burns outside the windows. Folk songs, as well as numbers from Gay's Beggar's Opera, are seamlessly woven into the action. Singling out anyone from the ensemble for special note could detract from this appreciation of playing which was excellent even at a preview performance, but Jane Hartley is brilliant and very funny as a couple of Moll's amours, the athletic Archie and the obsessed Mr Keating, struggling to hide his' erect organ.
Nurse/Freddie/Charlie/Governess/Padre: Jack Corcoran.
Magistrate/1st Vicar/Lotty/Archie/Flynt/Mr Keating/Judge: Jane Hartley.
Daniel Defoe/Moll Flanders: Ralf Higgins.
Moll's Aunt/Lady Mayoress/Flynt's Wife/Clerk of the Mint/Jemmy: Richard Nutter.
Moll's Mother/Mayor/Robin/Kate/2nd Vicar/Child: Sarah Thom.
Director: Xavier Leret.
Designer: Alex Eales.
Lighting/Projections: Arnim Friess.
Sound/Composer: Jules Bushell.
Costume: Julia Pascoe.
2005-10-06 13:18:53