The Swan Theatre Stratford-Upon-Avon – until 14th January 2024
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5****
I have come to this production a little late, so I’m aware there are those who feel disgruntled that this is not an authentic adaptation of Thomas Heywood’s Elizabethan comedy. However, it’s quite clear that this is now a redefined and reimagined interpretation of The Fair Maid of the West, bringing it slap bang up to date, yet retaining beautiful touches of ye olde times, in this dynamic, diverse, and brilliant adaptation. Almost 40 years since it was first performed at The Swan, Isobel McArthur, fresh from her success with Pride and Prejudice (sort of), delivers a deliciously rumbunctious romp.
As both writer and director, McArthur is able to wondrously weave the zeitgeist of the past and present in her witty rewrite and staging. Condensing it into one part, it’s streamlined, modernised and chockfull of humour – visual, verbal and physical. Deeply funny and, at times, surprisingly moving, The Fair Maid of the West is a celebratory, music-filled, ensemble comedy which takes us on a witty, wild journey. Intelligent, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable the whole experience was an absolute treat.
Entering the theatre we are immersed in the world of the pub, in the pub, as the players belt out some karaoke classics (each song, cleverly pertaining to their character) and musicians serenade us as we enjoy a pre-show tipple. The play opens in Plymouth, 1598. The country is at war with Spain, locals in the pub grumble and our fair maid, Liz does the best she can to keep the peace in the bar, serving drinks and catching rats. An unexpected turn of events causes her to flee for her life, accepting help from an unlikely source, but never compromising her morals and kindness. Settling down south, she meets the locals, opens her own pub and becomes the hub of the community, welcoming the lost and misunderstood with open arms. All seems happy until another turn of events causes Liz to embark on a dangerous journey, but she is not alone, her merry band of locals accompany her across the seas to Spain to face her destiny.
Amber James as the more feisty than fair barmaid, ‘Liz’, was mesmerising. Her performance is more of the straight guy to hold up against the other comedic players and she carried this off with aplomb. Not to say she doesn’t have funny quips, but it was her more poignant moments that really touched me and brought a tear to my eye. Her connection with Richard Katz is wonderful to watch. He was fantastic at guiding the story, playing ‘Narrator’, articulating in iambic pentameter, seemingly as a nod to the original text, but things become clearer in act 2 when he really comes into his own. Philip Labey played suitor ‘Spencer’ superbly. A restrained but delightful combination of fop and pomp. To watch his character develop was a delight. Tom Babbage and Emmy Stonelake were hilarious as the village postman and know-it-all, and hard knocks teenager, respectively. Their comedic timing and physical energy were thrilling. The ensemble, as a whole, were terrific. Singing, dancing, quick changes, playing a variety of instruments, working the crowd, speaking different languages, navigating the stage with ease, they never put a foot wrong. Everyone seemed to be having a great time which ultimately rubbed off on the audience. Did I mention there was a rat?
I absolutely loved The Fair Maid of the West. Although based on a traditional text, it felt fresh, flamboyant, and fabulous. With fast-paced, frenetic humor and a cast who came together to create magic, please join me in raising your glass to a class ac