The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew

‘The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew’, and what fun this play was.   Not pantomime or melodrama (quite) but this tale of knights and dragons (and of course with a moral at the end) was really enjoyable.  The author Robert Bolt describes it as a ‘fun’ play and it really was.

The Story Teller (Richard Crawley) had us all under control in spell-binding mood as he set the scenes and linked the actions to keep the momentum going.   The Duke (Malcolm Robertshaw) sat with his Knights around the round table and discussed dragons and planned for future adventures, and the initiative for the action was taken by Sir Oblong (Hannah Steele) with dominant stance and clear voice.  We met the group of ragged peasantry in their persecution and misery and saw the reasons.   What a dream of a role to play Baron Bolligrew as a modernish villain in true melodramatic style, OTT with twitching moustache and eyebrows working overtime, Tom Key really extracted the timing and comedy and he dominated.    His partner in wickedness, and overplayed and dominated by him, Squire Blackheart (Chris Morter) worked well as the ‘less than bright’ villain in the plan.

Nice characters standing up to the ‘baddies’ the Lord Mayor (Chris Allen) and Obadiah (Jack Morter) came over well and brought out the story. The dignity, presence and superb diction from Becky Scott as Dr Moloch, the magician, gave great stature to the role, a delight to watch. And what fun without words, the Magpie from Jennie Harrison really did react and convince and entertain with her mischievousness. And I loved the Dragon: how clever with the shadowy shape and red eyes and that thunderous voice, excellent imagination.

Certainly a good alternative to a traditional festive offering, this evening was great fun with a well written entertainment.
 

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