Beaux Stratagem
by George Farquhar
Review by Phil Preece
"It's not very often I can say this but if you miss this productions you will miss something of a rare excellence, a sophisticated play done to national standard and all in lovely Lichfield.
Written over 300 years ago right here in town this ironically elegant comedy eerily mirrors many of our modern preoccupations through crime and money to love and divorce.
The whole production's engineered to a standard whereby every aspect of performance from the tiniest nuance of costume to the broadest player's gesture displays a degree of intelligence rarely seen on any stage.
I last saw this play done y the RSC, and frankly this is better.
I'm also delighted to say it's impossible to single out any one actor in a company of such excellence.
Every tinny role from tavern wench to great lady is indelibly authentic making an age hen the poor wore greasy hand-me-downs and the rich wagered their jewels or their honour with equal laughter as real and vital as today.
For theatre lovers it's worth the price of a ticket alone for its endlessly inventive staging of the tour of an eighteenth century gentleman's picture gallery.
If you're still wondering whether I recommend it, lets just say Ill be going again before the run ends on Saturday 16th.
It's a delight, a total triumph, and please may we have more of the same over and over again?"
Cast members:
Nigel Harris
Rebecca Mahon
Lou Webb
Matthew Brown
Sally Siner
Julia Binns
Hayley Considine
Orde Browne
Marcus Cooper
Amanda-Leigh Owen
Simon Sanchez
Nick Paley
Karen Spragg
Glen Kinch
Marcus Houden
