Modern theme for old classic (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Modern theme for old classic

8:10am Tuesday 30th June 2009 in

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The Proteans
Central Studio

SHAKESPEARE’S Twelfth Night was brought to Basingstoke’s Central Studio last week by the amateur arm of Basingstoke’s Proteus Theatre Company, the Proteans.

But after witnessing their production of this classic, one could easily be forgiven for thinking it was a professional performance – a credit to the increasing standard of this amateur group.

Particularly impressive performances were delivered by Peter Chiverton, who gave a suitably rumbustious representation of Sir Toby Belch, and Bryn Strudwick, who demonstrated a sensitive understanding of Malvolio.

Especially outstanding was Donna Marie Beeson who brought great energy and humour to the stage with her performance as Viola.

The Proteans cleverly chose to set their version of this gender-bending Shakespearian play in the 1980s – a decade often noted for sexual politics being high on the agenda – both in terms of how women coped in the workplace and the androgynous fashions of the time.

The opening scene was packed with classic characters of the decade from punks and power-suits to picket-line protesters – a spectrum of nostalgic archetypes many of us will remember, which splendidly set the tone for the rest of the show.

The cast started as they meant to go on, with the 1980s theme successfully sustained throughout the performance by thoughtful use of lighting design, set and of course those period costumes.

These elements were further enhanced by a superbly selected soundtrack, which included hits from The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, The Smiths and XTC.

However, the musical jewel-in-the crown were several original songs composed by Paul Wild and sung by Helen Palmer.

As the production came to a close, the audience were encouraged to join the cast on stage in dancing their way to the end of the show – the perfect ending to a thoroughly enjoyable performance.

–Genevieve Gillard