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From the opening moments of Jess R’s flawless performance of ‘Love is the Sweetest Thing’ it was obvious this was going to be an evening that pushed back the boundaries of Shakespearean comedy. And so it proved, the audience treated to two hours of madcap mayhem set against the imaginative backdrop of a 1920s Night Club. And what better time or setting could there be to explore the tribulations of young love and the transgressions of young lovers, the jazz age a time renowned for carefree living, an era where rules were made to be broken.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare’s first comedy, is seen by many as a blueprint for his later works. All the tropes are there: star-crossed lovers, servants taking centre-stage, chaos and confusion, cross-dressing, and, of course, righted wrongs and happy endings. Add to that disguise, live music, brilliant dance and dazzling fight choreography and the stage was set for yet another triumphant night of Wellington theatre .
Sam G and Matty L were excellent gentleman, ably supported by Eddie R, Barney V and Caitlin H. Darcy H, Zinnat K and Millie M all shone, while the comic genius of Rufus P and his canine sidekick Crab* almost stole the show. For many, however, the highlight of the evening was the sheer energy and exuberance of the Ensemble, who not only lent the performance pace, movement and style, but more than vindicated the decision to cast the show from 3rd, 4th and L6th Forms.
Congratulations to all the cast, and in particular to Director Katie Hamilton, who has been such a stalwart of Wellington drama over the years. She leaves us with many happy memories, but few more glorious than this, her final production.
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