Reader Reviews
The Winter's Tale (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon)
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 | David Farr's RSC production of The Winter's Tale creates an ingenious bridge between the contrasting worlds of Sicilia and Bohemia and one which emphasises that the unlikely nature of the plot is due to a deliberate decision on Shakespeare's part to make use of a proverbially improbable story in this play (as, of course, its title suggests). And both this clever link and the play itself are brought to thrilling life before our eyes through superb designs, an exciting staging and excellent performances from the acting company. The action begins at an early twentieth century party, amidst the quiet opulence of the palace in Sicilia. After the trial scene, however, a stunning coup de theatre ensues, in which it seems as if the pages from the volumes in the now shattered palace library are being blown from Sicilia to Bohemia on a storm-tossed flight of fancy, so that the latter country is almost literally like something out of a book - and it is a place in which the leaves on the trees are not the only natural phenomenon formed from innumerable sheets of paper! The relative darkness of the palace interior gives way to the sunlight of open country and elegant but sober Sicilian court dress to the colourful costumes of Bohemian farming folk as we are entertained by the humour of the shepherds, the roguery of Autolycus and the suggestive cavorting of the "men of hair". When we return to Sicilia, however, we are reminded that the happy ending that ensues is neither completely unalloyed for those it affects nor encompasses everyone! Kelly Hunter's dignified Hermione is bewildered by Leontes' behaviour but her love for him convinces her he will ultimately return to his senses, whilst Noma Dumezweni's Paulina tempers her own anger towards him with sympathy when she realises how devastated he is by the effects of his actions. Brian Doherty brings a deeper sense of self-awareness to Autolycus than usual and makes him very likeable, and Gruffudd Glyn and Larrington Walker are thoroughly engaging as the Young and Old Shepherd respectively. Greg Hicks brilliantly conveys through Leontes' words, facial expressions and body language the fact that suspicions about Hermione and Polixenes have already taken hold of his mind, making his subsequent actions appear far more convincing (if no less irrational) than they do if his doubts arise during the play itself. Moreover, he makes Leontes immensely sympathetic throughout, showing how he initially gains comfort from the fact that Mamillius, to whom he is clearly very close, is indeed his own son, and bringing such deep emotion to his ultimate reunion with Hermione that we feel it is the truly magical event he suspects it might be! And the actor's unparalleled verse-speaking powers are very much in evidence in this typically outstanding portrayal, enabling him to bring clarity to lines whose meaning has been the subject of endless debate among commentators on the play. This magnificent production, heart-warming and full of wonder, simply should not be missed! - Janet Polson | 27 Apr 09 |
