Theatre
www.list.co.uk/theatre
REVIEW OUTDOOR THEATRE THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, until Sat 12 Jul 0000
Don’t be put off by Glasgow’s unpredictable weather and miss this summer’s Bard in the Botanics. Cheerful and casual in its approach to theatre, the outdoor play season is a big hit with aficionados and novices alike. On the grassy knoll behind the main glass house, loyal fans set down picnic baskets, blankets and plastic chairs in front of a stage dressed with cream-coloured curtains. At dusk, swing music from the ear of a large gramophone transports the audience to 19305 Italy, where Gordon Barr’s production of The Merchant of Venice is set.
A spirited cast of Scottish, Irish, English and American actors expertly straddle the sinister and humorous sides of this most complex of Shakespeare’s comedies. Nicholas Cowell’s Bassanio is an amiable everyman, endearing in his pursuit of the rich and beautiful Portia. Supporting him is Antonio, played by an intense Stephen Clyde. Together they approach their enemy, the charismatic Jewish moneylender Shylock,
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who demands a pound of flesh if the debt cannot be repaid.
American actor John P Arnold shines in this role, at first provoking sympathy when his daughter betrays him, this turning to dismay when the depth of his love for money is revealed. A complex and engaging character, Arnold’s Shylock holds the play together, and his famous speech of ‘when you prick us, do we not bleed?’ sends a chill down the spine.
There are plenty of light-hearted moments too. Sarah Chalcroft brings humour and grace to the other key role of Portia. Ricth dressed in all of her scenes, she tells her pompous suitors to choose from three caskets of gold, silver and lead. One of these boxes holds her picture, and whoever chooses the correct box wins her hand. This task, however, proves harder than it seems, and provides many of the production’s more amusing moments.
Barr’s production is a comic romp that never allows us to forget the serious issues at its heart and repeatedly asks the audience to explore their own attitudes towards prejudice. (Theresa Munoz)
PREVIEW DANCE THEATRE
CCA, Glasgow, Sat 12 Jul
PREVIEW MUSICAL
OUR HOUSE
Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Sat 5 Jul; Playhouse, Edinburgh, Mon 7-Sat 12 Jul
Following in the footsteps of popular jukebox musicals Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You. comes this effort from writer Tim Firth (Calendar Girls). featuring the music of ska/pop legends Madness. Comparable to a London-based Blood Brothers. Our House is the stOry of teenager Joe. who faces a dilemma that splits his world.
Starring as the ghost of Joe‘s dad (played by Madness frontman Suggs in the Olivier Award-winning West End production), original X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein explains that this is more than just a tribute show. ‘People have found that it's the show that they love. and people have been converted to fans of Madness because of it. You don't get surprised by thinking that a song doesn't work — it really feels as if the songs were made for the show and not the other way round.‘
Favourably comparing the lyrical prowess of Madness to Noel Coward. Brookstein stresses the emotional depth of the show. ‘lt‘s very warm. romantic and funny. but it‘s also poignant and sad. and it touches a lot of people’s lives. Times in their lives where they were faced with an ultimatum. a choice that defined who they were or where they were going. a job opportunity they turned down or a move abroad. and it‘s about those little choices in life. in destiny and what's meant to be. It's very human in that respect.‘
It may not be one step beyond. but missing this would still be an embarrassment. Baggy trousers optional. (David Laing)
MATERIALS FOR A SMALL WINTER
The teenage years can feature some pivotal moments. For choreographer Angus Balbernie it was the discovery of Malcolm Lowry's 1947 novel Under the Volcano. widely regarded as one of the great literary works of the 20th century.
Balbernie's life-long love of Lowry has inspired a quintet of dance theatre pieces created over the past five years. the latest of which is Materials For a Small Winter. ‘l‘ve always loved Lowry‘s work.‘ explains Balbernie. ‘I discovered Under the Volcano when l was a teenager and was just fascinated by him as a writer. And then I read a biography about his extraordinary life — his fantasy world. his alcoholism and how he ended up living in a ruined fisherman's stilt house in Vancouver. He was a remarkable writer who led a remarkable life.‘
The show also features another of Balbernie's great passions. which he has moulded to fit Lowry‘s story. ‘l've had a lifetime's addiction to film noir,‘ he says. ‘Once I found out that Lowry‘s second wife was a failed Hollywood starlet. I turned her into a failed film noir starlet and used that in the concept of the piece.’
Featuring choreography. film footage. text and a live soundscape. Materials For a Small Winter reaches beyond Lowry and film noir into even darker territory — abuse. ‘I‘ve never been accused of making light work.‘ says Balbernie. “And abuse in its many forms is a dominant theme in many areas of life. while Lowry, as an alcoholic. was the archetypal self-abusing artist! (Kelly Apter)