WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF STEVEN K. BEATTIE
  • Home
    • Biography
    • On My Worst Behaviour
    • All That We Seem
    • Beneath Still Water
    • Impossible Spaces

THe Herbal bed - the full review

5/3/2013

0 Comments

 
Hi all, well 'The Herbal Bed' had a great review in the local paper, but the review was slightly shortened.

 The reviewer - Leo Capernaros - kindly sent his Sentinel review of 'The Herbal Bed' to the Director who in turn has forwarded it on to myself.

So here is the review in full.....

 "The Herbal Bed is based on a true story that took place in Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer of 1613, it focusses on the lives of Dr John Hall and his wife Susanna, who also happened to be the beloved daughter of William Shakespeare. The plot revolves around the public accusation of adultery, an accusation which ignites a powerful drama and shines a harsh light on 17th Century British society.

The central themes of the play are serious; love, morality, monogamy, religion and justice are all confronted as the plot unfolds and whilst this play is exceptionally well written, Stoke Repertory Players deserve huge credit for providing a performance that would put many professional
productions to shame.  The highly talented cast of eight immediately launched in to the dialogue at excellent pace, each finding humour and tragedy with confidence and ease throughout. 

The set was well considered, full of texture and depth it allowed for free-flowing action and fully supported the absorbing performance of the actors.  None more so than Susanna played with skill by Catherine O’Reilly, who on more than one occasion gave us the sense that the daughter of the world’s greatest poet was indeed a chip off the old block.  James Freeman played her husband the doctor intelligently, allowing himself an understated first act to give his character room to flourish in the second.  Amy Keen-Wicks played the Hall’s six year old daughter Elizabeth beautifully, it was a real treat to see such an engaging performance from such a young actor.  

As the play continues it becomes increasingly difficult to work out who exactly is the ‘villain’, but Jack Lane the doctor’s apprentice is the most obvious candidate.  Intent on accusing Susanna of adultery, James King played the part with all the wit and swagger it required but kept just enough back to ensure we never lost sight of Lane’s vulnerability.  The co-accused came in the form of the local haberdasher Rafe Smith, played well by Philip Milward.  Smith himself trapped in a loveless marriage seeks solace in the company of Susanna, but he too has to wrestle with his moral conscience. 
Also caught up in the tangled web is servant Hester Fletcher, played wonderfully by Angela Dale who gave this character depth, heart and when required inspired intelligence.

In the second act we are transported to Worcester Cathedral as Jack Lane’s accusation of adultery finds itself being disputed in a religious court.  Here we are reintroduced to the Bishop Parry and Vicar Barnabus Goche.  The two actors did an excellent job of portraying different sides to the church of the time. Brian Rawlins softly ensured the older Bishop embodied the warm, nurturing aspects, whilst Steven Beattie played the paranoid and judgmental vicar with intensity and power.  From start to finish this was a fully engaging piece of theatre and the production is a credit to directors James Freeman and Sarah Stockdale."



0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Steven K Beattie's blogs. Ranging from news regarding his latest projects to general topics of discussion.

    Archives

    January 2022
    December 2021
    September 2014
    July 2014
    July 2013
    May 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011

    Categories

    All
    2012
    2013
    2014
    Auditions
    Blood And Bone China
    Booksie.com
    Cannock Chase
    Chameleon Monkey Ltd
    Concert
    Damned
    Film
    Frankenstein
    Frightfest
    Ghost
    Ghost Hunting
    Horror
    Miller
    Miller's Court
    Miss Saigon
    Mitchell Variety
    Musical Theatre
    Newcastle Operatic
    New Play
    New Website Layout
    Play
    Poetry
    Recommended Reads
    Registration
    Reviews
    Samuel Beckett
    Short Stories
    Stage Productions
    Stoke Rep
    Theatre
    Thriller
    UFO's
    Vampires
    Werewolf Hunting
    Werewolves

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
    • Biography
    • On My Worst Behaviour
    • All That We Seem
    • Beneath Still Water
    • Impossible Spaces