REVIEW
Arcadia
Presented by Lindisfarne
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
19 NOV – SAT 23 NOV
Arcadia
Presented by Lindisfarne
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
19 NOV – SAT 23 NOV
Arcadia – Tom Stoppard’s 1993 tour de force has arrived at the Dixon Studio from the 19th-23rd November by Lindisfarne Productions. A bold and demanding piece of theatre for any Company, let alone a small local ensemble, the play explores the relationship between past and present, order and disorder, certainty and uncertainty. Juxtaposed between the past and present at Sidley Park (an English country house in Derbyshire), the activities of two modern day scholars are contrasted with those of the people living there at the time (between 1809 and 1812).
The Dixon Studio will always have a fond place in my heart – an intimate, warm space which is perfect for small, single set pieces such as Arcadia. Set around a large table with books, artifacts and other props which remain throughout the play (along with a fairly ancient pet tortoise), this helps to link the two times zones and intensifies the theme of the continuation of time.
Having not seen Arcadia before, I was not sure what to expect. My brief research beforehand told me that it is regarded as one of the best science related works ever written, and I can certainly see why. This Oscar Wilde style multi-generational math-fest is a plethora of knowledge and wit. The humour is often subtle and shrouded in mathematical theory and philosophical concepts, but make no mistake – the humour is there in abundance. “What is Carnal Embrace?” Opens Thomasina Coverley (the wonderfully delightful Bethany Dench), the precocious 13-year old girl of the house as she reads through her Latin homework. When her tutor, Septimus Hodge (the charming Benton Hodges) tells her, she is appalled. "Now whenever I do it, I shall think of you!" she rasps. "Is it like love?" He replies: "Oh no my lady, it is much nicer than that." Wonderfully delivered by the charismatic Hodges, the flow between tutor and student is natural and a delight.
In the present day, writer Hannah Jarvis (the compelling Amanda Whiteford) and literature professor Bernard Nightingale (the frantically comical Jeremy Battersby) converge on the house: she is investigating a hermit who once lived on the grounds; he is researching a mysterious chapter in the life of Byron. As their studies unfold – with the help of Valentine Coverly (the reassuringly confident Jack Byrne), a post-graduate student in mathematical biology – the truth about what happened in Thomasina's time is gradually revealed.
The plot is difficult to describe without going into tremendous detail, however it is thoroughly engaging and flows well between scenes. Despite hearing a few audience members struggling to keep up with the plot during the break, the main crux of the play is easy enough to follow if you put aside the advanced mathematical theory, which goes way beyond my own capabilities on a Tuesday night. Needless to say, I felt infinitely more intelligent after the play had ended. But fear not, you need not be a mathematical genius to enjoy the show. There is enough humour, scandal and intrigue to grasp the attention of even the greatest arithmophobe in this devilishly delightful production.
Featuring also the talents of Carly Davison (the iron-fisted Lady Croon), Ian Morton (the haughty Captain Brice RN), David Green (unsuccessful poet Ezra Chater) (who incidentally has one of the greatest faces of incredulity I had seen in a long time), Chris Linnat-Scott (the somewhat clumsy gardener whom I could have watched picking up scrolls all night long), Alan Thorley (gossip spreading Butler Jellaby), Megan Condon (Chloe Coverly – the spirited daughter of the modern day Lady Croon) and Jacob Rozee (Gus/Augustus Coverly) (how the hell do you do that with a Rubix cube?!) – The play is certainly not short of talent. Each playing their characters with vigour and confidence, which is especially impressive due to the demanding nature of the script.
It’s not perfect. There were a few small stumbles which I’ll put down to opening night nerves, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that what Lindisfarne Productions have done is nothing short of highly impressive, and I have no doubt the kinks of the first night will be ironed out before Wednesday's performance.
Arcadia runs at the Dixon Studio all this week until Saturday 23rd November. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the work of Oscar Wilde; to anyone who enjoys delving into a deep, thought-provoking story; to those who like to explore very human relationships; and to all those who just enjoy a damned good night of culture and highbrow entertainment. Catch it while you can. Now where did I put my calculator…
Review: Michael Reddihough
The Dixon Studio will always have a fond place in my heart – an intimate, warm space which is perfect for small, single set pieces such as Arcadia. Set around a large table with books, artifacts and other props which remain throughout the play (along with a fairly ancient pet tortoise), this helps to link the two times zones and intensifies the theme of the continuation of time.
Having not seen Arcadia before, I was not sure what to expect. My brief research beforehand told me that it is regarded as one of the best science related works ever written, and I can certainly see why. This Oscar Wilde style multi-generational math-fest is a plethora of knowledge and wit. The humour is often subtle and shrouded in mathematical theory and philosophical concepts, but make no mistake – the humour is there in abundance. “What is Carnal Embrace?” Opens Thomasina Coverley (the wonderfully delightful Bethany Dench), the precocious 13-year old girl of the house as she reads through her Latin homework. When her tutor, Septimus Hodge (the charming Benton Hodges) tells her, she is appalled. "Now whenever I do it, I shall think of you!" she rasps. "Is it like love?" He replies: "Oh no my lady, it is much nicer than that." Wonderfully delivered by the charismatic Hodges, the flow between tutor and student is natural and a delight.
In the present day, writer Hannah Jarvis (the compelling Amanda Whiteford) and literature professor Bernard Nightingale (the frantically comical Jeremy Battersby) converge on the house: she is investigating a hermit who once lived on the grounds; he is researching a mysterious chapter in the life of Byron. As their studies unfold – with the help of Valentine Coverly (the reassuringly confident Jack Byrne), a post-graduate student in mathematical biology – the truth about what happened in Thomasina's time is gradually revealed.
The plot is difficult to describe without going into tremendous detail, however it is thoroughly engaging and flows well between scenes. Despite hearing a few audience members struggling to keep up with the plot during the break, the main crux of the play is easy enough to follow if you put aside the advanced mathematical theory, which goes way beyond my own capabilities on a Tuesday night. Needless to say, I felt infinitely more intelligent after the play had ended. But fear not, you need not be a mathematical genius to enjoy the show. There is enough humour, scandal and intrigue to grasp the attention of even the greatest arithmophobe in this devilishly delightful production.
Featuring also the talents of Carly Davison (the iron-fisted Lady Croon), Ian Morton (the haughty Captain Brice RN), David Green (unsuccessful poet Ezra Chater) (who incidentally has one of the greatest faces of incredulity I had seen in a long time), Chris Linnat-Scott (the somewhat clumsy gardener whom I could have watched picking up scrolls all night long), Alan Thorley (gossip spreading Butler Jellaby), Megan Condon (Chloe Coverly – the spirited daughter of the modern day Lady Croon) and Jacob Rozee (Gus/Augustus Coverly) (how the hell do you do that with a Rubix cube?!) – The play is certainly not short of talent. Each playing their characters with vigour and confidence, which is especially impressive due to the demanding nature of the script.
It’s not perfect. There were a few small stumbles which I’ll put down to opening night nerves, but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that what Lindisfarne Productions have done is nothing short of highly impressive, and I have no doubt the kinks of the first night will be ironed out before Wednesday's performance.
Arcadia runs at the Dixon Studio all this week until Saturday 23rd November. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the work of Oscar Wilde; to anyone who enjoys delving into a deep, thought-provoking story; to those who like to explore very human relationships; and to all those who just enjoy a damned good night of culture and highbrow entertainment. Catch it while you can. Now where did I put my calculator…
Review: Michael Reddihough
“Septimus, what is carnal embrace?”
“Carnal embrace is the practice of throwing one’s arms around a side of beef."
“Carnal embrace is the practice of throwing one’s arms around a side of beef."
Who knew early-nineteenth-century English country houses could be such hotbeds of sex, gossip, and mathematics? Mischief lurks in the shrubberies in 1809 at Sidley Park. Byron is flirting with Mama, Septimus is satisfying Mrs Chater in the gazebo and young Thomasina isn’t missing a trick, despite Septimus’s best efforts!
Meanwhile, in present day, Bernard and Hannah battle it out to prove what really happened all those years ago. Did Byron really challenge Chater to a duel? Plautus the tortoise knows for sure, but he’s saying nothing!
Tom Stoppard’s wonderfully witty, romantic, detective comedy Arcadia is considered one of the great plays of the 20th Century.
Performances are 19th -23rd November at 7:45 pm at the Dixon Studio, with a matinee on Sat 23rd at 2:30pm.
Tickets are £15 adults and £14 concessions and students.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
Meanwhile, in present day, Bernard and Hannah battle it out to prove what really happened all those years ago. Did Byron really challenge Chater to a duel? Plautus the tortoise knows for sure, but he’s saying nothing!
Tom Stoppard’s wonderfully witty, romantic, detective comedy Arcadia is considered one of the great plays of the 20th Century.
Performances are 19th -23rd November at 7:45 pm at the Dixon Studio, with a matinee on Sat 23rd at 2:30pm.
Tickets are £15 adults and £14 concessions and students.
www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
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Below: the cast in rehearsal