She Stoops To Conquer

Sat in the garden of a 1930’s house now used as a community centre surrounded by marquees on a slightly drizzly but warm July evening it is hard to imagine yourself immersed in a restoration comedy, the opening night of yet another mad cap tour of Somerset by the ambitious and dedicated Taunton Thespians. The tours are now simply the ‘highlight’ of Taunton Deane’s theatrical summer season as the Thespians clamber upon the mini bus and travel the length and breadth of the county.
She Stoop to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith was written in 1773 and the language and twisting plot may seem a little odd to the 2015 audience, but the Thespians attacked the script with panache and we simply moved along with the characters as they blustered, flirted and confused each other with miscommunications and hidden identities. Mr and Mrs Hardcastle were matched to perfection and the comic timing of Mrs H caused much mirth, Tony ‘her’ son joined her in this as he played along with his mother’s pandering and headed off to the ale house for some peace. Their pretty and somewhat cheeky daughter Kate was captured beautifully as she stooped to conquer the rather confused but sweet Marlow. The relationship between Constance and Hastings was a complete contrast to the early laws of theatre with both roles being played by ladies but it worked (although by 1773 a lady could take to the boards). Supporting actors gave not only support but in performance but also as stage crew and this kept the continuity. Lighting was through travelling ground rows and simple baton lights which gave a warm candle like glow as the sun went down. Costumes were to period and thought had been given to the majority of the hairstyles and accessories. Let’s hope the rest of the run enjoys glorious sunshine. A fun and enjoyable evening and the drizzle didn’t dampen the spirits one little bit.

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