The Canterbury Tales

Once a year, Garrick Theatre’s youth group known as TAG for Teens at Garrick joins with experienced older performers for a Mainstage production. This year it is an adaptation of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.

In this version, the pilgrims bound for Canterbury who “tell” the original tales meet up with a troupe of actors in a tavern (and in Act II in another tavern), and the actors help to act out each of the stories. With one exception, the pilgrims are played by adult actors with the teenage performers forming the acting troupe.

The tavern set, designed by Paris Jenner, has excellent attention to detail and makes the most of the compact Garrick stage. Similarly, the 14th century costumes designed by Evelyn Holt were well selected. It was a shame that in a show that paid such attention to detail there were some notable lapses including packaging folds on some costumes, uncovered tattoos and a plastic recorder.

Erin Shay Horrigan, as hostess of the Inn, bridges the gap between this world and the world of the play, easing us into the production, in a likable performance. We then launch into seven of the tales.

Carol Young, centred as the Prioress, leads the first story, featuring Kaiden Breen as a cocky rooster and Piper Gibson as a confident little hen. Catherine Smith makes a promising theatrical debut as the Fox.

The Miller’s Tale, somewhat censored from the original is well related by Jason Robert Lester and features Paris Jenner as Allison working opposite James Scully making a successful community theatre debut as Nicholas and Zane Holt playing the first of three very different roles. 

Kristine Lockwood sweetly plays The Reeve, telling the final story of the first act, where the performers include Eden Flynn Redcliffe, who also assistant directs, and another fine stage debut, this time by Angus Le Cornu-Brown.

After interval Ali Louise as the self-assured Wife of Bath tells her story, doubling as central character Bertha. Performers include Freda McColgan as a very regal queen, with Ender Holt stately, in his stage debut as the King (he shares this role with Benny Jordan).

Paris Jenner, flamboyant as The Franklin, is the next storyteller. In this tale Olivia Keary, possessed of beautiful diction, shines as Dorigen. Riley Thomas performs well as Arviragus with Will Afanasiew confident as the Astrologer.

The only teenage performer among the pilgrims, Juliette Patricia Botha, makes bold choices throughout, in a broad stroke performance as The Cook, relating her quickly abandoned tale.

Peter Neaves as The Pardoner delivers the final tale with style.

Great to see a large cast with obvious rapport, and a show that gives opportunities to young performers. Will be of particular appeal to those who enjoy classic literature.

Kimberley Shaw