The 7 Ages of Mankind

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your production of ‘The 7 Ages…’.  This was my first time visiting Holt Players, covering for Dee Way, your usual NODA Representative and I was made to feel extremely welcome.

This production was adapted from William Shakespeare by Wendy Tucker, who also directed the show.  It marked the 400th Anniversary of the Folio and also Wendy’s love of his words.

It cleverly pulled together several of Shakespeare’s popular works from A Winters Tale (The First Age) through to King Lear (The Seventh Age).  With original music ‘The 7 Ages of Mankind Suite’ specially written and composed by award winning composer Henry Marsh.

Keeping it all moving were 2 Narrators – Narrator One reminded us of the words of Shakespeare to introduce each of the ages, whilst Narrator Two brought us back to the modern day and reminded us that ‘mankind’ also includes ‘womankind’.

Staged with the audience on three sides using rostra and the hall stage to give the seating varying height, the actors utilised the space very well.

The costumes were excellent and very in keeping with the time period.

With a large cast of 21 it can be difficult to ensure that everyone feels utilised, but their enthusiasm showed through in every scene.  It can be difficult in a piece like this to single out any one particular actor, but much credit must go to Jem Andrews who stepped in to several additional roles within the production.

Altogether this was a very enjoyable show performed by a committed group of actors.  My congratulations to all involved.

Jeni Colton

NB The comments above solely form the view of the representative attending and only reflect the performance seen.

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