Director Christopher Luscombe has followed his wonderful Much Ado About Nothing with this production of another Shakespeare comedy. Unfortunately, it was not in the same league. The late Victorian setting was not to blame. This had plenty of potential for comedy. The sets were not to blame. They were as outstanding as those for Much Ado when I wrote
"they were absolutely jaw-dropping. Compared to every other visit to the theatre in memory, they were streets ahead. The basic structure is that of nearby Charlecote Manor with the two towers framing the stage. But it's what moves between and in front of this framework that is truly astonishing. The first set rolls back behind the towers and doors close. Then from below, for the next scene, up comes a whole new set. When that scene is complete down goes the set to be replaced by a brand new set rolled out from behind the tower doors.The designer is Simon Higlett and he has created a masterpiece. He has also designed the costumes which are a total delight."
Designer Simon Higlett has worked another miracle. I now wish I had been in the audience to see it rather than in the cinema.
The diction was not to blame, I heard every word. But elocution is not what it's all about. The acting is well below what I would have expected. Adrian Edmondson as Malvolio was a sad cartoon. Kara Tointon was sweet and elegant as Olivia but with no heart. John Hodgkinson failed to deliver as Sir Toby Belch, only to be completely upstaged by the terrific Michael Cochrane ( a go to jobbing TV actor loving every minute) and Sarah Twomey as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Fabia. As for the Indian twins, the casting of the superb Dinita Gohil as Viola did not match that of Eash Alladi as Sebastian. I felt that this choice of nationality could have been interesting if it did not somehow dominate the production.
So, there were things to enjoy. I would probably enjoyed it more seeing the play live. The camera work gets better and better for these shows. One moment when a close up of Viola's face melted over a long distance shot worked perfectly.
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