THE RECRUITING OFFICER by Farquhar. Mercury, Colchester to 27 October

Colchester

THE RECRUITING OFFICER
by George Farquhar

Mercury Theatre To 27 October 2001
Runs 2hr 45min One interval

TICKETS 01206 573948
Review Timothy Ramsden 13 October

Colour and light give a fine setting for a rare revival of mixed quality acting.In recent seasons, under Chief Executive Dee Evans and Artistic Producer Gregory Floy (director of this Farquhar revival), the Mercury's ensemble company has mounted an adventurous repertory which would not shame a national theatre. Its reward is to attract a well-filled Saturday audience prepared to watch, and listen to, Farquhar's sophisticated comedy.

Floy takes a middle way between the frills and flounce mannerisms of older post-Restoration comedy revivals (the play dates from 1706) and the dark social exposee of Brecht-influenced productions. His approach is reflected in the three painted panels of David Thomas' design, showing a realistically mellow Shrewsbury distanced into enchantment, surrounded by a sunlit watery Severn landscape. Rob Halliday's often bright lighting also casts a twilit glow across some scenes.

Less mannerism would have been welcome among the performances. Rough edges apart (it's in the small roles of such large-character pieces that a repertory company is often stretched), there is much clear, aptly styled acting. But too often performers seem to need to prod us by forcing gestures. Even Katy Stephens' strong and vibrant Sylvia, the magistrate's daughter who disguises herself as a man, indulges in unconvincingly forced laughter to signal her spirits.

As her father, Justice Balance, Roger Delves-Broughton realistically shows the Shropshire gentleman fascinated by the progress of Queen Anne's wars but at times clouds this with unconvincing tones or gestures.

There's a lot to like though – Tim Treslove's wily recruiting sergeant Kite, Ian Kirkby's likeable Captain Plume, Ignatius Anthony's double of Shropshire yokel and know-all Captain Brazen and Mary Seymour's sexually forthright Lucy. Only the secondary lovers, Worthy (Justin Grattan) and Melinda (Biddy Wells) stay outside the comic mould. Floy has them too bitter and unfocused.

Kern Falconer's musical direction of period songs creates the post-Blenheim context and makes for two strong act endings.

Mr Balance: Roger Delves-Broughton
Mr Scale/Thomas Appletree: Tim Freeman
Mr Worthy: Justin Grattan
Captain Plume: Ian Kirkby
Captain Brazen/Coster Pearmain: Ignatius Anthony
Sergeant Kite: Tim Treslove
Bullock: Victor Gardener
Pluck/Constable: Kern Falconer
Melinda: Biddy Wells
Silvia: Katy Stephens
Lucy: Mary Seymour
Rose: Clare Humphrey

Director: Gregory Floy
Designer: David Thomas
Lighting: Rob Halliday
Musical Director: Kern Falconer
Movement: Sue Lefton
Fight director: Richard Ryan

2001-10-14 01:29:00