THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho. Finborough Theatre to 2 February, then tour.

London/Tour

THE ALCHEMIST
by Paulo Coelho

Cornish Theatre Collective Finborough Theatre to 2 February 2002, then touring.
Runs 1hr 55min One interval

TICKETS 020 7373 3842 (London)
Review Timothy Ramsden 20 February

Magical mystery tour from Spain to Egypt, then back home in time to find treasure.Theatre magic wins out over the mystic elements in Coelho's original tale. Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy, journeys across the North African sands towards the pyramids he'd never heard of because of the dreamed promise of treasure.

His adventures become more extreme, from straightforward matters like being robbed and working with skill and bright ideas to make up his loss, to life or death events with mystic tinges such as omen interpretation (two fighting hawks predict an attack on an oasis) and shape-shifting (just how do you turn yourself into the wind to avoid execution?).

The company use the tested formula of narrated events fleshed out with strong physical images. Mostly these are formed by the actors, on a simple set of painted wood blocks. A tall actor on an upturned block becomes a landscape-dominating, mind-awing statue of Christ. Occasionally, props are exhumed from beneath the stage; principally four camel heads attached to cushioned seats.

Theatrical inventiveness often outshines the story itself, though the pace is kept up to prevent the tale toppling entirely. The five performers show limited vocal flexibility (as humans – they make perfect sheep and mosquitoes), but their physical and musical skills carry the day.

And the end is perfection. There is an alchemist, but the true transformation for Santiago comes after their encounter. Reaching the pyramids the shepherd-boy finds only a violent youth who's been too sensible to follow his dream of treasure in Spain. Back, wiser, goes our hero to dig for victory on home ground – and the audience discovers why, all along, the plain yellow set had that coloured circle at its centre.

Tour: February - David Hall, South Petherton 6, Chetnole 7, Sturminster Newton High School 8, Thorncombe 9, Neuadd Pwhelli 12, Theatre Ardudwy Harlech 13, Aberystwyth Arts Centre 17.

2002-01-22 16:36:29