Review | MARY STUART
January 6th 2001 09:28
Original Creative Writing:
MARY STUART by Dacia Mariani
Director : Tanya Denny
- cast - Elaine Hudson & Gertraud Ingeborg
This season opened at Downstairs Belvoir Street on 5 January, 2001
Queensize Production's Mary Stuart is a distinguished event that twists historical facts into hysterical frictions between the legendary Mary Queen of Scotland and Elizabeth 1, Queen of England, Ireland & France. With five characters played by two fine actors who never miss a beating, whipping, strangulation, poison tome or outright bitch fight, this rather wordy play compells it's audience towards a beautifully bloodlusty climax.
Elaine Hudson and Gertraud Ingeborg are the perfect match as the two Queens. They work opposite and beside each other on every level. Both steam, seeth, gnaw and bristle around the regally deposed stage, shifting with ease from character to character.
The set design by Jo Lewis transforms the tiny downstairs Belvoir Theatre into a cavernous space aided by Tony Youlden's creepily sensual lighting. Wonderful little touches, like the bloodied carpet in the shape of the Isles and chalk words that smudge as the actors splay themselves along the walls add an austere theatrical element and for a play with so many words, it moves at a cracking pace.
Director Tanya Denny manages to realise every sense, with subtle shifts in mood that easily weave the tragic story tightly. History buffs will love it, anyone who isn't well versed on the history will appreciate the ease in which the story is told, it's very clear, not a comedy as such, quite a drama in fact, but there are some devilish ironies that raise the odd guffaw.
Some times very funny, ultimately shocking and dire, this tale makes the journey through the ages lightly pressing modern buttons. A very strong production with excellent moments that keep on coming. This production has played at The New Theatre already, and could easily move into a larger theatre. My only quibble is in the musical choices, some of them a little too familiar. Maybe Denny needs to listen out for more jazz greats instead of reaching for familiar film themes, but it is only a quibble because over all the production is slick and very
satisfying.
Value for money if you enjoy stylish theatre well performed.
REVIEW by David Paul Jobling
Director : Tanya Denny
- cast - Elaine Hudson & Gertraud Ingeborg
This season opened at Downstairs Belvoir Street on 5 January, 2001
Queensize Production's Mary Stuart is a distinguished event that twists historical facts into hysterical frictions between the legendary Mary Queen of Scotland and Elizabeth 1, Queen of England, Ireland & France. With five characters played by two fine actors who never miss a beating, whipping, strangulation, poison tome or outright bitch fight, this rather wordy play compells it's audience towards a beautifully bloodlusty climax.
Elaine Hudson and Gertraud Ingeborg are the perfect match as the two Queens. They work opposite and beside each other on every level. Both steam, seeth, gnaw and bristle around the regally deposed stage, shifting with ease from character to character.
The set design by Jo Lewis transforms the tiny downstairs Belvoir Theatre into a cavernous space aided by Tony Youlden's creepily sensual lighting. Wonderful little touches, like the bloodied carpet in the shape of the Isles and chalk words that smudge as the actors splay themselves along the walls add an austere theatrical element and for a play with so many words, it moves at a cracking pace.
Director Tanya Denny manages to realise every sense, with subtle shifts in mood that easily weave the tragic story tightly. History buffs will love it, anyone who isn't well versed on the history will appreciate the ease in which the story is told, it's very clear, not a comedy as such, quite a drama in fact, but there are some devilish ironies that raise the odd guffaw.
Some times very funny, ultimately shocking and dire, this tale makes the journey through the ages lightly pressing modern buttons. A very strong production with excellent moments that keep on coming. This production has played at The New Theatre already, and could easily move into a larger theatre. My only quibble is in the musical choices, some of them a little too familiar. Maybe Denny needs to listen out for more jazz greats instead of reaching for familiar film themes, but it is only a quibble because over all the production is slick and very
satisfying.
Value for money if you enjoy stylish theatre well performed.
REVIEW by David Paul Jobling
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David Jobling
