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Victory
Playwright - Howard Barker
Director - Kenny Ireland
Designer - Hayden Griffin
Costume Designer - Shirley Robinson
Lighting Designer - Andy Phillips
Music - Matthew Scott
Venue - Royal Lyceum Theatre Grindlay Street Edinburgh 0131 248
4848
Company - Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
Dates - 26
April Free Preview
27 April - 18 May at 7:45pm not Fri 3 0r Thurs 9 May
Matinees at 2:30pm on Weds 8 & 15 May, Sats 4, 11, 18 May
NB Sunday matinee with free creche on the 12 May at 2:30pm.£10
(£2 for students)
Post show show discussion with cast 1 May
Reviewer - Ksenija Horvat
Victorious end to Season
Victory - Royal Lyceum Theatre Co Production
Bradshaw Kathryn Howden and Ball Gilly Gilchrist
© Douglas McBride 2002
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Love, hate, lust, historical intrigue and the will to survive simmer
in Howard Barker's gripping, foul-mouthed play as his characters try to
pick up the pieces following England's unsuccessful experiment with Republicanism.
As Charles II's morally degenerate court is finding its feet in the country
in disarray, Bradshaw's widow searches for dismembered parts of her martyred
husband.
Set in 1660 early Reformation time, when all bets were off and Puritanism
was about to become just another dirty word, Barker's story bears sinister
resemblance to the exploits of Thacherite administration as it prepared
for its second run. Under Kenny Ireland's ingenious and seamless direction
the play becomes a powerful metaphor of survival of ordinary people in
the world that has been turned on its head.
This is a flawless production, from superb performances by the outstanding
cast, to the minutest technical detail. It would be difficult to single
out a performance above the rest. Kathryn Howden shines in her
powerfully feminine, magnetic portrayal of Bradshaw, and Gilly Gilchrist
is mouth-wateringly, delightfully wicked as Ball. Bob Barrett's
Charles is utterly captivating in his childish flamboyance, and Shauna
Macdonald and Tadeusz Pasternak prove to be the rising stars
on the Lyceum stage with their beguiling portrayals of Devonshire and
Nodd. How can one resist to mention energetic and funny performances by
the rest of the cast - Luke Shaw, Barrie Hunter, Crawford Logan, Ronnie
Simon, John Kielty and Helen Lomax.
Topped with Hayden Griffin's excellent set and Andy Phillips's lighting,
as well as meticulous costumes designed by Shirley Robinson, and unobtrusive,
well-chosen music from Matthew Scott, this must be one of Royal Lyceums
best productions in recent times. What a way to finish the season!
© Ksenija Horvat 27 April 2002
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