So a moral dilemma, young people are the future of theatre and so any production that manages to get twenty 15-20yr olds onstage in a Restoration comedy should be applauded. What to do then when the production just fails to work? Give an honest review that reflects my opinion or make allowances based (patronisingly?) on age?
Suffolk Youth Theatre has gained a reputation in recent years for staging accomplished, visually impressive, physical theatre. Their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2009 for example would have made many a professional company proud.
So back to the moral dilemma. While it is indeed encouraging to see a young cast approach a 335 year old play and perform it with energy, some work is needed by the artistic team to reign in the current over playing with detailed characterisation and work on some much needed projection skills. Director Michael Platt also needs to reign in some of the performance to stop this restoration piece verge into farce.
Now some may think that this review is harsh given this is a youth theatre, however there has to come a stage before any opening night when a decision is made on whether any show is ready for public viewing. On this occasion sadly, this is one show that needs more work in the rehearsal room. There is potential here but it needs more work
Sadly not one of Suffolk Youth Theatre’s finest hours.
2 comments:
Did we see the same show? I thought the costumes were garish but completely in keeping with the characters. The performances were a little over the top, but hey it's restoration comedy. Surely in Wytcherly's time it would have been even more over the top. The set was minimalist and therefore flat, but what would you have done with the money they have to play with? They've been rehearsing twice a week since November. How could they have worked harder?
Ian: Thanks for your comment.
I have not suggested the cast weren't working hard and I know they have been working hard over the last 6 months, but there is a fine line before being a 'little over the top' renders the characters unbelievable.
Restoration Comedy is notoriously hard to stage for a modern audience and sadly this production for me just didnt hit the mark. Professional actors also struggle with this genre so I take my hat off to Suffolk Youth for being brave enough to tackle the piece.
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