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| Credit: Paul Cobb Photography |
2B Theatre was started by NTU graduate James Pacey in 2006 and King Lear is their most ambitious project to date. Employing local professional actors and directed by Pacey, the end result is a resounding success. With costumes and props suggested 1930's gangsters and a dark, bleak set there is a film noir feel to the production but the original dialogue is retained.
Keith Flood, playing King Lear, looked surprisingly like Alan Sugar but this time he was the one getting fired. He was excellent as the king in all phases of the play, switching from anger to despair to understanding with ease. Simon Johnson was also superb as Kent, particularly in the middle acts and Kaitlin Howard was an excellent Regan. Although the standard of acting was very high, there were a few bum notes. Goneril was too old for the part and Cordelia unconvincing. Martin Arrowsmith portrayed an unusually bookish Edgar which worked well but when disguised as Tom he was too camp and shrill.
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| Credit: Paul Cobb Photography |
Despite these minor problems, the whole production was engaging and entertaining and the three hours (in uncomfortable seats!) went by quickly thanks mainly to the strong direction and attention to detail. Perhaps the greatest achievement was the fact that, unlike many Shakespeare productions, the words are very easy to follow making this a very accessible performance for school students and Shakespeare phobics. It was also an excellent showcase for local acting talent.
King Lear ran at the Sandfield Theatre from 24th - 28th February 2009.
