King Lear

By Alison - 28th Jul 2014

The Bodleian Library Quad is the most beautiful setting, I would have happily just relaxed and enjoyed looking at the architecture for a couple of hours. But no, I was here for Lear. I must confess, I love a Lear, it's deliciously brutal and desperately heart-breaking.

The story of Lear is presented to us by a company of eight of the hardest working actors it has been my privilege to see, each playing three or four roles. The play punctuated is by song, different characters are identified simply by a new coat or hat and furniture is created by a couple of trestle legs and some planks of wood. I enjoy this kind of theatre, much as I like a helicopter landing on stage or a big revolving set, I think it's the simpler settings that I get the most joy from. This is a true ensemble piece and so singling out anyone of the supremely talented cast would be unjust, but of course we must mention Joseph Marcell as Lear. Marcell captures the vulnerability of this aged King beautifully and gave a very convincing and credible descent into madness and his final scenes of reconciliation with Cordelia were incredibly touching.

This was a company of actors telling a story. It felt very authentic, lots of asides to the audience, very self aware and with no fourth wall illusion whatsoever, it worked really well. I wish the tour well as it heads off to The States.

Alison Kirkwood