As you Like It and The Taming of the Shrew

Third Form's versions of As you Like It and The Taming of the Shrew, 25th January 2006-02-03
Reviewer: Chris Fraser (Murray, Fourth Form)

The Taming Of The Shrew and As You Like It were both a result of outstanding hard work by the directors, the cast and the crew backstage. Six directors from Fifth Form and the Lower Sixth were presented with the challenge of turning thirteen fledgling Third Form actors into top class performers in the space of six months. But there was a tight schedule, with just one session each Wednesday afternoon, although I'm sure there were many extra hours put in by the cast to get their lines spot on. However, against all the odds, two very successful perfomances were produced.

As You Like It is a romantic comedy about the plight of Orlando as he seeks his lost love, Rosalind, when she is banished from her uncle's court. Upon leaving the court, she takes with her Celia, her cousin, and Touchstone the jester. Rosalind and Celia change their genders to become young boys named Ganymede and Aliena, and they head for the Forest of Arden. As the story develops the families are reunited, Rosalind is found by Orlando and reveals her identity, and the rest of the group form relationships and marry.

The production had the audience in stitches from the opening scene, with Georgy Fillippov and Euan Graham bravely sporting fluorescent wigs and skirts as they strutted onto the stage. Playing Celia and Rosalind respectively, they transformed into their characters with apparent ease. The Narrator, played by George Quaile, guided the audience through the play with clear, confident, delivery of his speech. After the characters were introduced, a brilliantly-choreographed boxing match was staged. It was well timed and convincingly executed, and a touch of humour was added to lighten the atmosphere. Throughout the play a well-chosen selection of contemporary music created a great atmosphere, setting the right mood for each scene. Orlando was played very well by Alex White, who captivated the crowd during the more serious scenes in the play. However, at times a solemn scene would come straight after a hilarious one, resulting in the audience laughing at inappropriate moments because they were not able to make the transition to seriousness. Jonny Templeman was aptly sinister as the evil uncle, Frederick, and equally Zack Brar playing his father had a very suave appearance. The comical Touchstone, played by George Jones, raised a laugh every time he appeared on stage. The play had a great deal of enthusiasm put into it, and there were even signs of a smile being suppressed on the actors' faces now and again. Congratulations to the directors of the play, Felix McDonald, Charlie Paterson and Oli White.

The Taming Of the Shrew is the story of Petruchio and Katerina. Katerina's sister, Bianca, has been forbidden by her father to marry until Katerina herself has been wed. Bianca has two admirers, Hortensio and Lucentio, who are desperate for her father Baptista's permission. Consequently, they persuade Petruchio to court the dragon-like Katerina bribing him with the prospect of substantial dowry. Having received Baptista's permission, Petruchio proceeds to wear Katerina down by any means possible, depriving Katerina of food, sleep and her new clothes. Eventually Katerina is beaten, and she finally starts to appease her husband's wishes. The play finishes off with the newly wed Bianca refusing to obey her husband and Katerina delivering a heartfelt speech on the submission of women to their husbands.

The choice of the play was a bold one, as it was potentially quite controversial in its portrayal of a woman's role. However, I think that the performance brought out the lighter-hearted meaning, in that it is simply a male ideal. Simon Haddad played a super-confident Petruchio, somewhat resembling John Travolta with his swaggering style, whilst Michael Blake was imposing as Katerina, with an animal skin slung round his neck adding to the effect of her being imperious. Matthew Ashall played Hortensio as a spectacularly convincing drunk, with his fellow competitor Kristian Dyer, as Lucentio, outdoing the rest in his bold flirtations with Bianca. Nikolas Salmon adjusted well to his feminine character as Bianca, raising plenty of laughs from the audience. There was good use of sound in the play, used both to set the mood and also as an accompaniment to Petruchio's entrance, which combined fluently together. Christian Sahle-Selassie made a commanding presence on the stage as Baptista, speaking loudly and clearly with his dark suit lending him a stately appearance. The cast also had a tremendous energy as they performed, which in turn was reflected onto the audience, adding to the high spirits in the Theatre. Directors Tom Chitty, Rob McGregor and Jonny Graham devised an inspiring performance.

The evening as a whole was very enjoyable, the audience leaving with contented smiles having enjoyed the productions nearly as much as the actors did! The quality of acting was considerable, and all the cast should be encouraged greatly by their performances, and I hope that they will all continue acting here at Wellington.