Novel approach pays off (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Novel approach pays off

10:20am Sunday 5th April 2009 in

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A VIOLENT energy drives the action in this must-see Propeller production of The Merchant of Venice at Newbury’s The Watermill theatre.

On entering the auditorium, the audience is immersed into the world of a jail, with barred prison cells lining all three sides of the stage and prisoners poised behind them, who start rhythmically banging on the bars as the lights go down.

In this claustrophobic atmosphere, Antonio is a respected, Godfather-esque figure and Shylock the resentful object of inmates’ scorn.

The novelty of an all-male cast – like in Shakespeare’s time – brings out ironies such as the female characters disguising themselves as “boys”, and sexual tension sizzles between several male relationships – not least between a flirtatious Bassanio, for whom Antonio fatefully pledges his pound of flesh to Shylock so that the young lover can court Portia.

There are many notable performances, but Richard Clothier as Shylock gives a stunning portrayal, flitting between anger, defiance, pride, despair and hate so convincingly that his thirst for Antonio's flesh is almost understandable.

As for the “ladies”, both Kelsey Brookfield as Portia and especially Jon Trenchard as Jessica give rather nervous interpretations of women. Trenchard is so convincing that you almost forget he is a man by the end of the play!

It is a very masculine, physical production which sometimes teeters on the overdramatic, but the whole cast throw themselves into the play – literally – smashing bottles, and throwing chairs and money around, making the front row flinch.

The audience’s attention is held from start to finish, aided by very clear delivery of Shakespeare’s language and imaginative use of the small stage, with inmates clambering up and down the bars.

The jail setting has its flaws, such as Bassanio travelling to woo Portia, which does not quite scan in the context of a prison.

But a packed-out weekday auditorium is proof that this production is pulling in the audiences it deserves to.

The players are alternating the performances of The Merchant of Venice with A Midsummer Night’s Dream until May 2. Tickets can be booked at the box office, on 01635 46044.