Time Masons

I had the pleasure to attend the Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford for this medieval time-piece, set in a Cathedral undergoing long term construction. Scenes switched between 7 medieval characters including 2 stone-masons and 2 modern characters who then blended into the scenes as observers, with their own story and views of what they observed, sometimes in horror.

The production opened atmospherically with an open coffin, centre stage, containing the body of the Cathedral’s financial backer and we learn that his widow ‘Lady Mary Devaux’ played with just the right amount of strength and bitterness by Rachel Alcock, who not unhappy with his demise, immediately seeks to reduce the contribution being made to construction work, in order that she might improve her own standard of living.

Her relationship with ‘Abbess Faith’ who effectively acts as the project manager, is strained and she ultimately is forced to sack all the foreign workers, increase the hours of others with no extra pay and introduce cheaper materials, all to fulfil Lady Mary’s instructions to save money.

The impact of this on the stone-masons, especially ‘Will Black’ sensitively played by Chris Musson and ‘Jack Brown’ played with great strength by Tom Purchase-Rathbone, is catastrophic. ‘Jack’ is particularly outspoken, controversial in his religious beliefs, not to mention amorous towards Abbess Faith, a concoction that leads to trouble and he is ultimately convicted of heresy, fornication, rape and sedition. Will’s wife ‘Jane Black’ convincingly played by Jane Grafton and Jack’s partner ‘Doll Green’ played equally so by Tracy Humphreys, join in supporting their plight. Along the way we meet would be executioner ‘John Cleaver’ (Graham Tyrer) who with steely eyes and a great presence relishes the anticipation of Jack’s demise at the stake.

 

‘Abbess Faith’ (Emma Beasley) despite being forced into Service for refusing to marry in earlier life was played with suitable religious belief, but was eventually caught up amorously with ‘Jack’ who she knew and loved prior to Service. Emma’s portrayal as the Abbess struggling between following her vows and feelings for Jack was completely absorbing.

Much is observed by modern day ‘Laura Phillips’ (Stacey Warner) a junior government minster and her partner ‘Ellie Napier’ (Abi Deehan), who whilst confirming her love for Laura has other motives for the benefit of her journalistic career. Without exception the standard of acting of the whole cast was excellent and all the scenes moved at a brisk and clear pace.

The set was simple and effective. The scene in the pub with its lighter moments, with a song and a dance, was an inspired contrast to the more serious scenes. The introduction of ‘Laura’ and ‘Ellie’ into the medieval scenes, believing the characters to be actors, as part of their cathedral tour, was clever, and the Act 2 scene when the characters weaved amongst themselves backed by atmospheric music, was a ‘goose-bump’ moment. The burning of ‘Jack’ on the stake was very effective and literally well lit!

Not to give the story away there is a final and clever twist to this tale and Bernard Hall’s writing and direction deserves full praise.

Bruce Wyatt (District 10) for Andy Brown (District 5)

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