Minack Theatre - Southwark Playhouse Borough
Madame Bovary in all her glory comic, dramatic and satiric. This production embodies the iconic 19th Century character; projects her urge for freedom and the right to make her own choices in a male dominated society.
A high energy, multi-roling, comic masterpiece full of rats, this show has all the trimmings, with side dishes of female empowerment and magic... Minack theatre have brought a two act show based on the 1857 novel by Gustave Flaubert 'Madame Bovary', to Southwark Playhouse Borough. Written by John Nicholson, who has previously written and toured 'Treasure Island' and 'The Hound of Baskervilles'; The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary is a well written, clever show. Directed by Kirstie Davis, previously Associate Director and Artistic Director of Watford Palace Theatre, she has directed an impressive number of new plays all over the country, such as 'Stardust' by Russ Tunney (Forest Forge).
What is magic about this piece is the set design. It is minimalistic, yet very effective, because the cast use the space and props to their full potential. The stage is dotted with crates of apples, a backdrop that resembles an old building, with windows and shutters that open reveal other props. There is a moment Stephen Cavanagh as 'Justin' and Georgia Nicolson as 'Madame Bovary' are in a scene that is set in a pharmacy. This is created by one of the windows being opened to reveal a cabinet filled with glass bottles with labels and pills. There is also a locked box in the cabinet, and this shows that it is a controlled substance, which as a Pharmacy Technician myself I liked this touch! Within the locked box was the arsenic, whenever they refer to the item, they all dramatically gasp. This emphasizes the importance of this item and how it holds an element of danger. They also use props to create comedy such as, in one of the scenes Ben Kernnow as 'Rodolphe' reveals many strange items from various places, as if by magic! This is an extremely funny scene, fast paced and a great use of props!
A great performance by all the actors, particularly Georgia Nicholson as 'Madame Bovary'. She plays a character with high drama; she steals the stage as the main character and portrays a woman who is desperate for a sense of freedom. The audience are drawn to her humorous witty remarks, loud personality and feel empathy for her as she tries to exercise her own choice and find freedom. Her character displays the many layers of being human; such as the battle between lust and love, stages of grief and many emotions that flip from one to the other throughout. She is desperate to spread her wings and go on her chosen journey without judgement or being held back. Nicolson shows how her character is a bird trapped in a cage. Interestingly, there is a moment she mimics running and she spreads her arms out; as if she is a bird trying to take off and then in one scene, she wears a piece of new fashion, it appears to be a skirt that looks like a cage!
All four actors gave a compelling performance, and their ability to jump in and out of each role was incredible! Daren Seed plays Madame Bovary's husband Charles. He plays a dull character who follows his wife around like a lost puppy and begging for her attention. He also plays 'Ratman 2' who is an older character and is 'Ratman 1's (played by Ben Karnow) partner in pest control. This character greatly differs from Charles Bovary, Ratman 2 is rough, many of his lines follow grunting and he's hunched over. There is a huge difference between the two characters, Daren Seed showed some fabulous multi-roling skills.
The only downside is the beginning, it is not very smooth and the stepping out of character to address the audience. It just meant that it took you a bit longer to get into the show, as this beginning felt disjointed. However, the rest of the show is fantastic and once the content gets started you are attached! It's a great show, well written, the high energy and talent of the cast is brilliant! It does not waiver. Get yourself to this show!
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