THE RIVALS. To 29 May.

Tour

THE RIVALS
by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Compass Theatre Company Tour to 29 May 2004
Runs 3hrs One interval
Review: Hazel Brown 21 April at Lighthouse, Poole

Delightful production of the 18th century comedy.Compass Theatre Company's production is a delight from start to finish. Like a box of chocolates, it contains a delightful mix of textures, tastes and amusement. From the moment the two pairs of swing doors flap open at the beginning of the play, it is evident that the action will be taken at a fast pace that makes the three hours pass by in a flash.

Carol Macready is a triumph as the meddling and vocabulary-challenged Mrs Malaprop the very pineapple of perfection herself. It would be easy for this performance to dominate, but it is a testament to the fine ensemble cast that she does not eclipse the others. However, her delivery of the many celebrated lines and the stage business around her do provide some of the best laughs of the evening especially when she meets Jack Absolute for the first time and the scene ends with him accidently clutching her bosom, giving her hydrostatics, and leaving Richard Stacey to hide his hand in his jacket in horror and embarrassment.

The young men are all nicely contrasted: Simon Hepworth is appealing as the doubting Faulkland, Stacey charming as the younger Absolute; and Michael Onslow, as the country bumpkin, is hilarious during his powdered' transformation into a man of fashion. The girls are delightful, with Danielle King a very forward and forthright Lydia; Victoria Woodward getting increasingly aggravated as the faithful and put-upon Julia; and Sarah Manton hitting all the right notes as the interfering maid, Lucy. The older men, who carry the plot forward, are no mere ciphers. Robert Austin is a wonderful strutting turkey-cock, trying to organize a good marriage for his son, and John Cormack is suitably argumentative as O'Trigger.

The simple set works extremely well, and the music adds greatly to the atmosphere. Sheridan's satire on the manners and mores of 18th Century Bath still provides many delights and surprises, especially in the hands of this accomplished company.

Sir Antony Absolute: Robert Austin
Sir Lucius O'Trigger: John Cormack
Faulkland/ David: Simon Hepworth
Lydia Languish: Danielle King
Mrs Malaprop: Carol Macready
Lucy: Sarah Manton
Fag: Danny Nutt
Bob Acres: Michael Onslow
Captain Jack Absolute: Richard Stacey
Julia Melville: Victoria Woodward

Director: Neil Sissons
Designer: Liam Doona
Composer: Christopher Madin
Lighting: Jason Taylor

2004-05-06 00:53:58