Canterbury Tales

Taking on the task of adapting eight of Chaucer’s epic tales sounds daunting and certainly challenging. However, under the capable hands of director, Gwen Stevens and assistant, Carolyn Ferguson, they more than achieved this to perfection. Their collective experience and imagination brought these tales cleverly up to date. Although somewhat sanitised, they managed to maintain most of the original earthiness and were full of great humour and the right amount of bawdiness associated with Chaucer.

The theatre was slightly over half full and the audience was able to admire the excellent Medieval set. This comprised a street with seating areas outside of the tavern together with the fronts of houses. Several openings were used to profound effect to allow both subtle and dramatic entrances by the actors throughout the show. The movement giving the feel of the comings and goings in and out of the tavern and also the outer environs.

The programme was informative and included a comprehensive write up on Chaucer, coloured photographs of rehearsals and information on cast members. Eric Johnson was acknowledged for ‘finding and recording some late 14th Century music’. This music certainly added to the overall ambience, enhanced the whole atmosphere in the theatre and to listen to was most enjoyable.

Costumes, under the safe and talented hands of Liz Santer and her team, were exceptional and carried the usual diligence. Particularly worthy of a mention, were the chicken legs on display by the actors during the Nun’s Priest’s Tale. The exuberant, Karl Whitmore, also looked resplendent as the Cock and the audience thoroughly enjoyed and chuckled through the whole scene. Equally amusing were the large buttocks displayed at the window during the Miller’s Tale. The props were well thought out and imaginative, particularly the horses’ heads on broomsticks. The lighting created an effective atmosphere throughout the whole show and likewise both sound and special effects were well thought out and expertly executed.

Within minutes of the opening, the audience were treated to a skilled sword fight in the Knight’s Tale. The swords were metallic and the ringing as they touched was extremely dramatic. The versatile pairing of Joel Leverton and Philip Barker then displayed their talents in a very realistic brawl. Both actors were outstanding throughout and kept up a good pace complete with excellent timing and energy. Joel’s eyes were so expressive and those alone spoke so many words!

The remaining Tales were performed equally well by the talented cast of sixteen, who clearly worked hard and were obviously enjoying themselves. Costume changes appeared to happen with ease and likewise any set shifting was unobtrusive and largely incorporated into the storylines. Full credit must go to the entire cast as they played several characters each and that is no mean feat. Congratulations to everyone!

 

                             

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