Death and the Maiden

Arriving at the theatre we were given our customary warm welcome, then we took our seats and looked forward to our evening's entertainment. Death and the Maiden was written by Ariel Dorfman and is loosely based on fact at the time of the Pinochet Military coup and the psychological truth in turbulent conflict. 

I will start with the set and production. The raised floor that Chesil Theatre have has been removed and we saw a large curtained door to stage right with a long pontoon taking the rest of the stage, bedecked with table and chairs. A superb set designed and built by David James and his crew of set builders and production Management (John Wakeman). The entire staging was so well lit by Richard Bunn and it not only added to the overall feel of the piece, it positively enhanced the feeling, mood and atmosphere that we were fully engaged as an audience. A considerable amount of thought, work and co-operation between lighting, staging and direction in clear view. It certainly gave the three principals something brilliant to work with.

The play is a three hander. Jen Hale as Paulina Escobar, Danny Olsson as Geraldo Escobar and Andrew Jenks as Dr Roberto Miranda, provided such great characterisation, diction, intense interaction and emotion, you would be forgiven tfor thinking that you were at the National Theatre. The time taken at line bashing and rehearsals has paid such dividends here.

I have witnessed some great theatre here, many many, brilliant productions. This was truly an extraordinary theatre experience. It was not an amateur performance. This was a professional performance and will stay with me for a long time to come.. Bravo 11/10

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