Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre York – until Sunday 1st September 2019
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
3.5***
Following the highly successful inaugural season last year, Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre is gracing the York skyline with its presence once again. The premise is the same, four plays, two company of actors, performing right up until the 1st September. It astounds me that the actors can switch so easily between two different plays, but what is even more astonishing is that the schedule sometimes has the same company performing their two plays on the same day, a huge feat, must be exhausting. What makes this year different is the fact that another pop up theatre, at Blenheim Palace, is also following the same set up. If this continues to be as successful there are plans to roll out elsewhere, and grow.
I must admit that I am not a big fan of Shakespeare and I have worked out that I find his comedies easier to watch, so I had hopes. I did not know this play beforehand, the basics are twins Viola and Sebastian are shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, unaware of each other’s survival. In order to stay safe in a foreign land, Viola disguises herself as a boy, Cesario, modelling her new male self on the appearance of her twin brother. As Cesario, she finds employment in the service of Duke Orsino, only to find herself falling in love with him. But Orsino is suffering the pangs of unrequited love for Lady Olivia. Sent to woo Olivia on his behalf, Cesario is dismayed to discover that she has herself become the object of Olivia’s affections. When Olivia later comes across Viola’s twin brother Sebastian fighting a duel with another of her rejected suitors, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, she believes him to be Cesario and comes to his rescue. Unlike his sister Viola, Sebastian has no qualms about being loved by Olivia.
Amidst the more poignant moments of heartache, misunderstanding and exclusion, the scene is also set for much delightful confusion, joyful abandon and comic mayhem!
This Illyria, appears to be set in the roaring twenties, with its Art Deco inspired set to the flapper dresses and pin stripes, and not forgetting the yellow cross gartered stockings. The stage is used for all four shows, so there is only a limited number of changes that can be made. The stage appeared to be the same as last year, wooden in construction, with a balcony dominating the middle, and the painted half roof.
The whole cast work hard to deliver strong performances. Alex Phelps provides a lot of laughs as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, he certainly has a knack for physical comedy and he did have me laughing along with the rest of the audience. The other stand out performance for me was Rina Mahoney as Maria, I can only describe her as a little pocket rocket, full of impish mischief, I really enjoyed watching her on the stage.
I believe I roughly followed the story, but at times I had no idea what was happening and was completely lost. Occasionally the comedy just went over my head, even though some of the audience were laughing their heads off, quite a few were the other company of actors who were having the night off, so at least they knew what was going on. I did find it start to drag at various stages, could have done with a bit of editing, can you do that to Shakespeare? From where I was seated, front row but right at the left of the theatre, I thought I had excellent seats, which was great for the visual, but I really did struggle to hear what was being said, especially when the actors had their back towards me, perhaps that was the problem, where I was seated. Last year the performances did not use microphones either, and I do not recall having this same issue with understanding dialogue. Maybe the best place to sit is in the centre seats, or even purchase a groundling ticket and really be part of the action, as the actors weave amongst you, just watch out if you’re drinking or eating, someone may come along and steal your chips. Seating may have had an impact on my whole experience.
Don’t get me wrong, there were parts that were really enjoyable and extremely funny and though this is not my favourite Shakespearean adaptation, I would encourage anyone to give it a go. It really is a fully immersive experience, with the theatre set within the grounds of a Shakespeare village, with food and drink aplenty, you may even be treated to a free wagon performance. It really sets the ambience for an enjoyable day/night out.
A tip if you do decide to go in the evening, take a cushion, to sit on, and a blanket, to keep yourself warm, as it can get a bit chilly.