Merlin and the Woods of Time (Chester)
We all know points make prizes… the point being that poets make excellent playwrights. Glyn Maxwell is well served by Chester Performs, and for a PG (but not PC) show, ample sophistication is mixed with entertaining zaniness: complementary songs and music and colourful costume. The delight is in the detail, played out in a simply appealing rustic setting.
David Hartley’s Watercup is an ingenious, comic hero, and although Rosie Hones as Elaine falls for him a bit too suddenly, she’s an intriguing heroine: more sharp tongued yet plain daft than feisty. Lancelot and Guinevere (Paul-Ryan Carberry and Sophie Roberts) make a right Sex in the City pair, under the nose of a hilarious King Arthur (Sevan Stephen), while Robert Mountford as Sir Mordred, with such a big chip on his shoulder it’s a wonder he can stand upright never mind fight (he can’t), is a knight to remember.
Lastly, Rebecca Smith-Williams (Watercup’s sister Lily) turns out a lipsmackingly good heroine; indeed, the entire cast deserves praise.
Mix in some wine, Pimms, a delicious Carluccio picnic; what more could you wish for? Well, a sunset of course but a couple of showers were easily ignored during an enchanting performance. Be sure not to miss it, or As you Like It – you certainly will, with an excellent company like this.
– Carole Baldock