THE BOVARY TALE to 12 September 2009
London.
THE BOVARY TALE
by Laura Steel music by Anne Frier bBased on the novel by Gustave Flaubert.
Upstairs At The Gatehouse, Highgate Village N6 4BD To 12 September 2009.
Tue – Sat 8pm.
Runs 1hr 50min. One interval.
TICKETS: 020 8340 3488.
www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com
A dearth of passion results in a lightweight production
LLaura Steel multi-tasks as Producer, Director and Writer in this new musical based on Gustave Flaubert’s infamous Madame Bovary. Steeped in controversy in its day, this tale of immorality, lust and debt deals with topics that may now be the foundation of every soap opera but this 19th century classic remains the quintessential novel on middle class morals. Working with Composer Anne Frier for just eight months, Steel’s interpretation of these complex characters was inevitably going to be light on substance.
Standing amid Lheureux’s cluttered shop counter, which dominates the stage throughout, Flautist Gary Albert Hughes, who doubles as adulterer Leon, performs some quite delightful opening music, which always bodes well with a new composer. However this led quickly into a chaotic school scene reminiscent of twenty first century students, rather that the Victorian variety; Charles Bovary is introduced and his school years, which define his later character lapses, are whittled down into a dunces cone cap. The arrival of his mother introduces a baffling presence as the overbearing yet doting parent is replaced by a bizarre character with unremitting sinister scowls and bewildering grins accompanied by wild, flailing arms.
Charles’ first wife passes away after a distinctly dodgy looking chicken dinner, which results in marriage, darning and death following a coughing fit and brings the main attraction to the stage, The Madames Bovary in Yasmin Wakefield (Young Emma) and Sophie Austin (Marginally Less Young Emma). Why two Madame’s may have been indecision during casting or a directorial affectation, however the latter was a more substantial presence on stage.
The first half leaps along on fast forward with little time dedicated to understanding the complex characters Flaubert illuminated a century and a half before, so there is little empathy developed for any of the protagonists. Only after the interval does Madame Bovary begin to spark but it’s too little too late.
While the music didn’t live up to the promise of the opening, The Bovary Tale also arrives on stage very much a work in progress. Madame Bovary was an ambitious project to bring to stage in such a short time and resulted in a passionate drama light in both passion and drama. More writing is needed along with more character development and less clutter in the shop.
Charles Bovary: Simon Pennicott.
Monsieur Roger: Kieran Hance.
Geraldine Bovary: Lieve Carchon.
Heloise/Lucia: Stephanie Carswell.
Lheureux/ Farmer Rouault: Felix Pring.
Young Emma: Sophie Austin.
Felicite: Amber Elliott.
Justin: Stuart Saint.
Leon: Gary Albert Hughes.
Radolphe/ Edgardo: Adam Strong.
Director: Laura Steel.
Designer: Steve Armourae.
Lighting: Howard Hudson.
Musical Staging: Stuart Saint.
Choreographer: Diana Prociv.
2009-09-07 08:53:46