TWELFTH NIGHT. To 16 October.
Bolton
TWELFTH NIGHT
by William Shakespeare
Octagon Theatre To 16 October 2004
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat 9 Oct 2pm
Runs 3hr 5min One interval
TICKETS: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 2 October
Swinging score; more sturdy performances.I've just reached 36th Night. Following a West End production set in India and English Touring Theatre's painterly tour, Octagon director Mark Babych takes Shakespeare's Illyria to Central America. It's a strange experience, Orsino backed by servants in trench coats and dark glasses, looming threateningly and presumably sweltering inside them.
Though perhaps not; despite the swing of the rhythmic (uncredited) music, there's no lush foliage, just a bare-branched little tree growing out of gravel. And little other than externals - music, costume, some hairstyles - expresses the purported setting.
At least the political set-up explains Orsino's stern manner; he's someone used to getting his way. Though Olivia clearly doesn't fear him. Just as well; seeing how former Illyrian enemy Antonio gets roughed up, let alone the underground hell-hole where Malvolio's incarcerated (and that's not even by Orsino), this is no place to come into conflict with authority.
Babych writes in the programme of the play's humour and cruelty. What's on stage tips way towards the latter. Though Paul Trussell's cardboard Antipodean Sir Andrew has a rough humour, the home-grown comic characters are dour rather than droll, Michael O' Connor's taciturn Feste hardly a contrast to Malvolio. Yet there's a sense, in Michael Mears' skilful performance that it's only his old enemy the clown mocking him that inspires Malvolio's revenge threat. He aims it specifically at his tormentors, still bowing politely to Olivia. Debra Penny's Maria smiles a lot but her personality seems subdued by the red dress in which she stands out self-consciously from those around.
There's a gain in focus on the melancholy surrounding Orsino at the expense of the brighter comedy bubbling around the equally sad Olivia. Inika Leigh Wright gives Olivia an intensity to match Orsino's but the comedy bubbling around her goes for little; there's little sense of her household at all.
So, a straightforward, adequately if not excitingly performed production, worth seeing if you're looking for Shakespeare in the Bolton area, and as recommendable as the nearest recent version last year's waterlogged Royal Exchange production, set in equally hot climes. But not one achieving the play's full richness.
Sebastian/Curio: Giles Cooper
Antonio/Valentine: Marshall Griffin
Orsino: David Groves
Olivia: Inika Leigh Wright
Malvolio: Michael Mears
Feste/Sea Captain: Michael O' Connor
Maria: Debra Penny
Sir Toby Belch: Matthew Rixon
Sir Andrew Aguecheek: Paul Trussell
Viola: Kelly Williams
Arresting Officer: Daniel Walsh
Director: Mark Babych
Designer: Patrick Connellan
Lighting: Richard G Jones
Sound: Andy Smith
Fight director: John Waller
2004-10-05 16:52:41