THEATRE REVIEWS

Roll-ons, stockings and high heels, and that was the men. If you thought that you were going to get a lesson in Greek mythology you were wrong. What you got was a refreshing sight into modern theatre. Aluminium ladders stretched to the Gods, backed by a climbing wall, bare walls surrounded with newspapers piled awaiting use. Seats for musicians were to one side awaiting occupants. This then was the setting to The Bacchae, Carl Grose and Anna Maria Murphy's look at the goings on of those muddled stories of old. Emma Rice, the director, gave the evening its vibe and drive, as she provided the audience with surprises and entertainment magic from the writers inspiration.

Six men dressed in corsets and stocking entered the stage and put on ballet skirts and you wondered what you had let yourself in for. The mischief on their faces gave this Greek Chorus a whole new meaning as they set about origami with the newspapers that were also read by the king Pentheus having trouble with his wife. Then the God Dionysis enters in his red pointed hat and sets to work convincing the mortals to do things that they should not. When religion and life mix all hell is unleashed and that is what happens here. Some great performances from the cast from many countries, with the king's wife and his mother, played by Eva Magyar, worthy of the most praise as she climbs the wall in high heels and show what she is capable of as an actress - her dancing on men is something else. Robert Lucskay as the God Dionysis shows what can be done seriously, dressed in a corset, high heels and a suit. Let's name everyone as they all contribute so much to the success of this show: Charlie Barnecut, Andy Brodie, Dan Canham, Leonie Dodd, Graig Johnson, Giles King, Sarah Moody and Mike Shepherd. All this is accompanied by great music from Stu Barker, played by various members of the cast on unusual instruments; we had everything from reggie to the Ink Spots and how refreshing it was. The only downside was the programme, which could have been more informative about the characters in the play, with photographs of the cast.