Nouse.co.uk » A Winter’s Tale

A Winter’s Tale

June 9, 2009
Beth Gandy

Production: A Winter’s Tale
Venue: Drama Barn
Rating: ****

Given the infamous uncomfortable nature of the Drama Barn seats, staging a three hour Shakespearean tragic-comedy would seem a brave choice, especially following the influx of lighter comedies on this season at the Barn. However, the nature of one of Shakespeare’s less well known plays gave the audience a thought-provoking, intense and at times hilarious spectacle.

The acting of the major parts was flawless. Dominic Allen, as Leontes, could not be faulted. He played the jealous, remorseful and angry King of Sicilia to perfection. His madness and overflow of emotion ebbed into the atmosphere of the play. Following this Allen took on the character of the roguish pedlar Autolycus, and brought laughs abound allowing the play to flow from tragedy to comedy seamlessly. The portrayal of Camillo was also noteworthy; although slightly awkward at first, the performance blossomed into a perfect comedic performance. These larger parts may have at times over-shadowed the enthusiastic, if slightly weaker performances of the minor parts, however this was arguably inevitable with such a large cast.

The prop of the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths was very unconvincing. However, the use of a white basket representing a gateway to Bohemia was clever and employed well. Additionally, the lively performance by a four piece band was a well thought out Shakespearean element.