THEATRE REVIEWS

You get the audience standing on their feet when the Kneehigh Theatre company take their bows. That is after they have dispensed their usual brand of antics attached to a near Cornish myth. This time it is Tristan & Yseult. Weird characters, nondescript in their attire, finished off with balaclavas and horn rimmed spectacles, make notes about the audience as they move about the The Club of the Unloved — they tell us they are Love spotters. That is what you are in for if you venture into a theatre where this artistic company are playing.

Virtually impossible to say what impression this company will have on you, but go and find out. This story is supposed to be about King Mark of Cornwall and his near neighbours in Eire and Normandy. Lots of plotting with kings wanting virgin queens and how they are given what they expect. The male members fighting, and their followers behaving how most followers do, but are not perceived by themselves to be doing.

This cast enjoy themselves and in so doing give pleasure to their audience. This takes talent and some very gifted performances transpire. To name one person would be wrong so here they all are, you pick your own favourite. Craig Johnson, Giles King, Amanda Lawrence, Eva Magyar, Mike Shepherd, Tristan Sturrock are the actors, and the musicians led by their director Stu Barker, Fiona Barrow, Alex Vann, Michael Vince give something else to be remembered. Emma Rice gives direction.

The one thing that lets this production down is the programme, which is over designed and has lost its sense of colour, which makes the text unreadable — should Laura Eastwood look harder at what is being printed? Some photographs of the cast would not come amiss.

For a great night out at the theatre search out this production if it comes your way. Great fun. © BA

“Tristan & Yseult” is in Leeds on the 1st November until the 5th November, 2005 then continues on tour. Council car parking charge £1 from 5.30pm until 10pm.