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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Knights make a splendid night of it
Edward James Stokes, as Traci (left), and Steve
Parsons (Fitz) are two of the knights in hiding. Picture: Barry Khan. Four Nights in Knaresborough Hall Green Little Theatre ***** THERE was one elusive line on the first
night – not remotely enough to deprive Jean Wilde's excellent production
of the five stars it so richly deserves. Paul Webb's story of four knights involved in the
murder of Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, has presence and
punch. It has fun and foul language. It has riveting interplay and it
rolls without a push through events that happen on four nights in the
course of 12 months. Its language is modern: “You think being a morbid
git is a sign of intelligence”, for example. And there's a surprising
line about two dogs, four horses and a pig called Colin, guaranteed to
charm the birds from the boughs. The first night also brought a surprise that was
unplanned, when a goblet that was on the floor was accidentally kicked,
causing it to make low-level tracks for the first row of the studio
audience. Edward James Stokes is Traci, investing his role
with a delivery that is easy on the ear – and giving everyone a whale of
a time as he demonstrates his struggles with constipation and his
delight on eventually conquering it.
Steve Parsons (Fitz) is a bit of a loner, the
toughest of the group, involved late-on in a dramatic confrontation with
Oliver Harvey-Vallender, as Brito. Brito is the loose cannon and
irritant of the foursome, foul of mouth and full of unpredictability. In
his more manic moments, his flashing teeth and wild eyes are remarkable
reminders of the regrettable Russell Brand. Ara Sotoudeh (Morville, something of a loner), is
charged early on with the responsibility of relating the story of the
knights and their background. The assurance with which he accomplishes
this provides the production with the solid foundation on which it
builds so confidently. To this rough and ready group arrives a woman,
Catherine. She is a landowner who has abandoned her wealth to be with
the knights, and Kate Campbell plays her with enigmatic assurance – even
when she is required to deploy an outsize pair of pliers in the cause of
emergency dentistry while Oliver Harvey-Vallender provides the
persuasive sound effects. Sami Moghraby is the ill-starred Becket (and a
visitor), John Bourbonneux turns up as Wigmore, and Connie Jordan and
Bradley Bourke are sharing the role of the young boy. This is a talented team and it ensures an
absorbing production. To 6-11-10 John Slim Box Office : 0121 707 1874 On-line booking http://www.hglt.org.uk/ |
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