THEATRE 
REVIEWS
The Duchess of Malfi
West Yorkshire Playhouse
Leeds
ENGLAND
What's changed?
What do you do with a play written by John Webster in 1613? Do you produce it as it was or do you tinker with it in the hope that you can improve it towards the tastes of today's generation. Philip Franks, the director, thought he would take the latter course. The only problem with this course is that you lose the colour and atmosphere of the time and finish up with a monochrome version. If you are going to do anything with something of that age you have to be bold and alter it all. Bring the script up to date, design new costumes and scenery that is instantly recognisable. Then you have a modern day Duchess of Malfi.
The Cardinal's recreation: Guy Williams and Melanie Jessop
Here we had young actors struggling with the projection and delivery of the words, which, through speed of delivery, made it difficult to follow the story line. This could have been avoided if Philip Franks had seen what was happening and slowed them down. The older members of the cast knew what was wanted and Guy Williams as the Cardinal and Imogen Stubbs as the Duchess gave fine performances against the grey backdrop by Leslie Travers.
There is nothing original in the plot which was in its day quite daring and forward looking. Family not wanting their widowed daughter to marry a person they did not approve of; which she promptly does. A misbehaving churchmen brings reliefs to the proceedings, but all end up being murdered in some way or other to bring about a climactic ending.
The audience sat respectfully silent throughout and gave applause to the cast when they took their bows, but the babble of chatter about what they had experienced was subdued. What they saw will not work for everyone so all you can do is try it and make your own mind up. © BA
“The Duchess of Malfi” is in Leeds on the 21st October until the 11th November, 2006. Council car parking charge £1 from 5.30pm until 10pm. This is now a No Smoking theatre.
Support your local theatres and see a live show.
To return to an index click its button below or the hat at the top of the page.
