The Winter’s Tale

This is a play with two worlds that seem at odds; the Kingdoms of Sicilia and Bohemia are vastly different places with strangely intertwined destinies. Sicilia is portrayed as a place of grace and elegance but beneath the smooth and polished veneer lies the seeds of tyranny. King Leontes (Adam May) makes an almost inexplicable descent into madness through his insane jealousy of his friend Polixenes (Paul Robertson), King of Bohemia. This psychological journey is conveyed with intensity and vigour, and May is gripping as a man besieged by his own overactive imagination.

In the face of unjust accusations Queen Hermione (Katharine Innes) is portrayed as cool and headstrong, and she is beautifully flanked by Paulina (Angelique Malcolm), the Queen's most ardent supporter. Paulina is portrayed as fierce and strident in her loyalty to her Queen. The stoicism of both women makes them formidable and powerful. This is nicely juxtaposed with the men in the play who seem feeble or on the brink of collapse.

The set and costumes give Sicilia a regal appearance and this contrasts sharply with the rough and ready characters that inhabit Bohemia. The performances are vibrant and energetic, allowing space for the comedy to eventually take over the sombre atmosphere. This is a carefully studied and orchestrated performance that makes appreciating the music and poetry of Shakespeare's language seem like an effortless exercise.

Patricia Di Risio