13TH JUNE -16TH AUGUST 2008
OXFORD CASTLE
Directed by Charlotte Conquest, this production crackled with the witty exchanges of Beatrice and Benedick, past lovers with a “merry war” between them. Transported to Spain, the courtyard was decked with orange trees and the costumes were reminiscent of flamenco dancers and matadors.
Andalusian music and a flamenco style masquerade ball set the scene for the flirtatious banter and, later, the defamation and mourning of Hero.
Hilarous physical comedy was employed by the cast – Benedick was doused with water with a watering can whilst eavesdropping from the hiding place of a wheelbarrow, and Beatrice struggled not to be seen as she listened to her friends gossip behind a mirror, in the shower, and under a table.
Live song and a rousing Spanish dance for the finale gave this romantic comedy an exuberant atmosphere.
Reviews
“loaded with broad humour…sprightly performance, excellent”
The Times
“Creation at their best – inventive, versatile, energetic”
Daily Info
Artistic team
Director – Charlotte Conquest
Designer – Sara Perks
Movement Director – Aidan Treays
Singing Captain – Caroline Devlin
Voice and Verse Coach – Richard Ryder
Sound Designer – Matt Eaton
Music Composer – Pete King
Cast
Guy Burgess
Gordon Cooper
Gregory Cox
Caroline Devlin
Tom Golding
Lizzie Hopley
Olivia Mace
Kevin Murphy
Nicholas Osmond
Amy Stacy