House of Lear

First, commiserations to Andy Leggett for having to step down from performing the part of Lear today. I’m sure his prep’ will have filled every waking minute for the last couple of months.  Susan Odev - Director - too must have had a heart-stopping moment. So, sincere congratulations to Elliot Huxtable who stepped in – reading from ‘the book’ – and who so smoothly inhabited the part of Lear, it could have been written for him. Clearly, having been Assistant Director of the project, he was well prepared. Gareth Winters – Set Design - was very effective and Production Manager – Erica Ghimici - ran a tight ship. I’m must give Thomas Haper-Cox a high-five - I loved the artwork of the programme. The costumes were excellent and complimented the Director’s idea to play this ‘Lear’ as ‘King’ of the fashion industry. That is, taking as read that the fashion industry is full of pretence, jealousy, vying for power and shallow relationships. What an excellent fit!

‘Well played’ to the three daughters, Goneril (Charlotte Groombridge) and Regan (Shannon Coleman), both convincing in their assigned role as ‘self-seeking flatterers’, and in Cordelia’s case (Frya Laidlow-Petersen) ‘honourable and truthful no matter the cost’. 

I’m so sorry but at a very early stage in the play the weather and seating took it’s toll on your reviewer! On occasions I was distracted by the heat of the day, found it hard to hear the dialogue which was unfortunately exacerbated by a variety of distractions in the vicinity. The chosen site was idyllic – water, trees and shrubs in abundance … But - sadly there are no buffers that could filter out the mower from next door, the passing jocular holiday makers, or the buzz from the nearby cafe. If you were short, it was difficult to see the players, particularly if using the normal collapsible chairs we bring with us. The Hay bales were higher but – sorry – uncomfortable. I must add your wonderful ‘Marshals’ tried really hard to resolve these problems to ensure that everyone had the best time. These issues were clearly not widespread. – because at ‘curtain call’ there was a simultaneous and stupendous standing ovation from patrons in the first five rows of the audience. Those further back joined the accolade, but at a slightly slower pace. I would like to add my sincere congratulations to your wonderful company for delivering such an amazing array of theatrical gems over the last month. Long may you take theatrical risks and survive to tell the tale..

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.