|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
links
|
contact
|
drinks Monday 4 August 08
RAPPORT FRINGE ... MARGINAAL VERSLAG ... FRINGE BERICHT
Reviewing fringe theatre, film, art and performance in London and internationally credits
venues
|
awards
|
interviews
|
features
|
fashion
|
newsletter
|
recipes
|
news
|
gossip
|
home
|
about
|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
links
|
contact
|
drinks Monday 4 August 08
Fantastic short films event ... Soho Shorts Festival 23 July to 1 August ... London // Coming ... lots of articles about Edinburgh ... and reviews
OthelloVerdict: Close and personal
This production of Othello by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) iS an ensemble piece without big stars (or starry performances) and with absolutely no set. It is Shakespeare up close and personal, and all the better for that. Yes, it is three hours long and yes, there are some shaky moments early on - when Brendan Jones as Iago is a little too keen to establish his credentials too quickly or when the Duke (Benjamin Reeves) needs to find out if his best general has been dabbling in sorcery to attract Desdemona (a suitably pre-Raphaelite Coren Fitzgerald) and isn't quite substantial enough - and yes, it is difficult to take when there are bodies writhing close-up in their last death throes, but this is a very moving Othello.
Alex Andreou looks and sounds absolutely right in the title role, as he moves from assured general, in command of all around him, to the truly bewitched assassin of his faithful wife. Once it gets into its stride (give it ten minutes), the production is nicely paced, lines aren't snatched and everyone settles into their roles. The fight, which looks a bit of a show-off centrepiece, is slick (those of a nervous disposition should avoid the front row). Iago murdering Roderigo (Chris Hughes) is just nasty, a callous a piece of thuggery. When Desdemona starts singing, as she awaits her previously loving husband who is coming to kill her, well, there could hardly be a dry eye in the house.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Alex Andreou - Othello. Robert Dobson - Brabantio/Gentleman 2. Coren Fitzgerald - Desdemona. Gareth Howells - Montano. Chris Hughes - Roderigo. Brendan Jones - Iago. Samantha Joyce - Bianca. Sherry Newton - Emilia. Benjamin Reeves - Duke/Lodovico. Michael Richens - Senator/Gentleman 1. Toby Spearpoint - Cassio. Stevie Wiggans - Messenger/Gratiano.
Company Credits: Writer - William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Director - V Lewis. Lighting - Wesley Theobalds. Sound - not credited. Technical Operator - not credited. Fight Director - Toby Spearpoint. Production Manager - Aimee Parker. Production Assistant - Heather Darcy. Producer - not credited. Company - Sturdy Beggars.
END
(c) Michael Spring 2008
reviewed Tuesday 25 March 2008 / The Pacific Playhouse
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008