Writers: Linsdey Williams and Peter Kerry
Director: Joyce Branagh
The simplicity of the set with two bookcases, a plethora of suitcases and a keyboard belies the complexity of the show. A cast of six tumble animatedly onto the stage in the blackout arguing and freezing when the lights go up. The audience are connected with and involved from the off, actually been given a part, props and directly addressed to, they love it.
Audience won over, the cast of six then race through a plethora of classic novels in under an hour, played in a variety of ways: Moby Dick is presented as a pantomime, Tess of The D’Urbervilles in song. Covering over 40 books, from Oliver Twist to War and Peace.
All is accompanied musically, mainly by Louis Blair on the keyboards. The entire talented cast, Louis Blair, Amy Gavin, Robin Simpson, Gareth Tempest, Althea Simpson and Amy Drake play numerous characters, while Drake initially acts as narrator as well.
Possibly due to the manic speed of much of the show, some dialogue is often lost and rushed with diction not always clear; this will no doubt settle down as the run progresses. Much of Classic is performed in the style of pantomime, funny, fast, furious, with lots of amusing props, actors running into the audience addressing them and generally being silly, touch of the art of coarse acting springs to mind. None of this was disagreeable to the packed, appreciative audience who responded with gusto.
Many revert to childhood in later life and which child does not enjoy a pantomime? If you are still a child at heart, congratulations, go and see this show you will love it, as many comments on exiting prove
Runs till 29 August 2022
