Shakespeare Shake-Up!

"Encore", the youth theatre groups of The Sinodun Players, returned to the stage at The Corn Exchange, Wallingford, with this ensemble-scripted piece structured around extracts from five Shakespeare plays.  Any concerns that the language might prove too much of a challenge for these young actors were quickly dispelled.  This semi-skimmed Shakespeare, sweetened with a few up-to date and witty references, was a lot more accessible than the full fat version, and the whole company delivered their lines with clarity and meaning.  There was scarcely a fluffed line or missed cue all evening. 

The ensemble featured far more girls than boys, so there was quite properly a fair bit of cross-gender casting; when you consider how many Shakespeare plays involve a principal character dissembling as someone of the opposite sex, you did need to keep your wits about you.  The simple setting was beautifully realised – five freestanding panels, one for each featured play, each bearing complementary and highly stylised designs.

Overall, it was quite inspiring to read how these groups of talented young people had stayed loyal through the long months and years of lockdown to come together and present such an imaginative showcase for their abilities.  A professional stage can be an intimidating place, but these actors looked very much at home.  The opportunities provided by membership of “Encore”, and the guidance and leadership provided by the director and her creative team, surely means that the future of Shakespeare’s plays on the English stage is in safe hands.

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