The Revenger's Tragedy

Synopsis

A tale of vengeance, violence and lust n the finest traditions of Jacobean tragedy. As he holds the skull of his beloved - who rejected the licentious old Duke’s advances and so was poisoned - Vindice plots the Duke’s grotesque murder. But in a court where adultery, rape and incest are the norm, his vengeance does not stop there. An orgy of ritualistic, even playful, bloodletting follows.

Our Review:

Helen Macdonald - 9 August 2012

It's difficult to put one's finger on what can turn a seemingly inaccessible Jacobean tragedy that focuses on themes which are not altogether happy - decaying moral and political order, bloody revenge and adultery, to name but a few - into a vibrant, almost 'feel good' piece.

In truth, it's an exciting combination of factors that combine to ensure Nicholas Thompson's superbly original production of The Revenger's Tragedy, currently playing in rep with Henry V at the Old Red Lion, does exactly this.

The play's action is transported to 1980s Britain which highlights the timelessness of Middleton's themes and their affinity with modern times perfectly. The six-strong company, some of whom play more than one character, have a natural, effortless chemistry as an ensemble. This, fused with Thompson’s slick, insightful direction and sharp attention to detail against an inspired backdrop of neon light, throbbing synth soundtrack and ‘80s artefacts, ...

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