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Caligula

Caligula at the Sewell Barn Theatre Review published in Eastern Daily Press, 11 April 2015 Generally held to be from Albert Camus’ ‘absurd phase’ of philosophical thinking, Caligula demonstrates a disconnection between aspiration and reality while condemning dictatorship/power but not in an agit-prop way. It’s a thoughtful and considered treatment currently being presented in the Sewell Barn’s intimate closeness as we watch aghast as the all-powerful, God-like Roman emperor Caligula disintegrates. Joe Darbyshire captures escalating madness underpinned with a terrifying logic in a consummate performance, as he murders at whim – ‘it’s no more immoral to steal openly than to inflict taxes on people.’ He is ably supported by terrified ‘yes’ men who finally fight back from fear and humiliation while his sinister sidekick (David White) and his aging mistress (Ginny Porteous) bring different shades to … Read entire article »

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The House of Bernarda Alba

  The House of Bernarda Alba Norwich Theatre Royal Youth Company at The Garage, Norwich Review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 4 April 2015 Norwich’s Theatre Royal Youth Company tackles Lorca’s final play in a version by David Hare with skill and commitment. It opens after Bernarda Alba has been widowed for the second time leaving her with five daughters and step daughters. She declares eight years of mourning upon the hapless girls in the claustrophobic confines of the hot Spanish household, proclaiming, ‘You have no right except to obey.’ However, young women’s rising passions and natural desires are not easily suppressed. As their struggles to break free of Bernarda (Kirsty Clarke) and each other reach a tragic ending, human nature cannot be held back by social normality. Director Michelle Montague produces intriguing moments of physicality to … Read entire article »

Filed under: Reviews