The Stables Theatre and Arts Centre
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
The Bourne, Hastings
East Sussex TN34 3BD
01424 423221
Reviews >
Celebrating Shakespeare
With Peter Mould and friends
22 April 2007
Reviewed by Hilary Totah
With Peter Mould and friends
22 April 2007
Reviewed by Hilary Totah
The production of Celebrating Shakespeare, written by Peter Mould, is a bit of a tradition at the Stables Theatre, held on the Sunday nearest to Shakespeare’s birthday. Peter Mould, an experienced amateur actor and stalwart of the Stables Theatre, opened the proceedings with the chorus from Henry V, accompanied by explanatory actions and gestures—a great introduction, greeted not with titters but downright guffaws and belly laughs, in which I have to admit I was joining in.
Part one, named “Anecdotage and Speechification”, included readings of famous speeches, some funny, others moving, like Ian Klemen’s interpretation of Shylock’s famous speech from The Merchant of Venice. Susannah Mayor gave us Constance’s speech from King John, written by Shakespeare after the death of his child—a poignant moment. The highlight of the evening was Mould’s tribute to Sir Henry Irving, reciting the “Now is the winter of our discontent”, speech from Richard III. Deliciously funny, laced with pregnant pauses and brilliant comic timing, the audience cheered it to the rafters.
Did you know that if you have ever refused to “budge an inch”, suffered from “green-eyed jealousy”, been “tongue-tied”, made “a virtue of necessity” or “seen better days” then you are quoting Shakespeare? It’s amazing to realize how much of Shakespeare has become commonly used.
Part two was a condensed and comic version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This didn’t work quite so well in the prologue, which was overlong and complicated. However, in the play within a play performed by the Rude Mechanicals there were some wonderfully funny moments, especially in Ian Klemen’s performance as Bottom playing Pyramus as he drew out his death scene to great effect. Stewart Farmer as Thisbe gave us a brilliant sulky boy playing a girl and played a death scene to match Pyramus. Wall, played with ponderous precision by Alec Mohun-Smith; Dan Treger as an irascible Moonshine; and Susannah as a ferocious Lion all contributed to the hilarity of the enterprise.
The strength of Celebrating Shakespeare is the beauty of Shakespeare’s language, rich in pathos, emotion and comedy—there are so many amazing speeches, such tremendous stories and characters. This tribute gives a fascinating insight into his work, the way it has shaped our language and the influence it has had on theatre and literature down the centuries. Peter Mould, Ian Klemen, Susannah Mayor and friends gave us a talented and professional performance. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, appreciated by a delighted and enthusiastic capacity audience.
Part one, named “Anecdotage and Speechification”, included readings of famous speeches, some funny, others moving, like Ian Klemen’s interpretation of Shylock’s famous speech from The Merchant of Venice. Susannah Mayor gave us Constance’s speech from King John, written by Shakespeare after the death of his child—a poignant moment. The highlight of the evening was Mould’s tribute to Sir Henry Irving, reciting the “Now is the winter of our discontent”, speech from Richard III. Deliciously funny, laced with pregnant pauses and brilliant comic timing, the audience cheered it to the rafters.
Did you know that if you have ever refused to “budge an inch”, suffered from “green-eyed jealousy”, been “tongue-tied”, made “a virtue of necessity” or “seen better days” then you are quoting Shakespeare? It’s amazing to realize how much of Shakespeare has become commonly used.
Part two was a condensed and comic version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This didn’t work quite so well in the prologue, which was overlong and complicated. However, in the play within a play performed by the Rude Mechanicals there were some wonderfully funny moments, especially in Ian Klemen’s performance as Bottom playing Pyramus as he drew out his death scene to great effect. Stewart Farmer as Thisbe gave us a brilliant sulky boy playing a girl and played a death scene to match Pyramus. Wall, played with ponderous precision by Alec Mohun-Smith; Dan Treger as an irascible Moonshine; and Susannah as a ferocious Lion all contributed to the hilarity of the enterprise.
The strength of Celebrating Shakespeare is the beauty of Shakespeare’s language, rich in pathos, emotion and comedy—there are so many amazing speeches, such tremendous stories and characters. This tribute gives a fascinating insight into his work, the way it has shaped our language and the influence it has had on theatre and literature down the centuries. Peter Mould, Ian Klemen, Susannah Mayor and friends gave us a talented and professional performance. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, appreciated by a delighted and enthusiastic capacity audience.
Also in this section >
Photographs > www.artypharty.com
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
A selection of production photographs from the 1950s to the present is available at our photographer Peter Mould’s website.
