5 STARS, July 14-29. An absolutely brilliant open air experience in the University of Law's gorgeous gardens
This is a superb summer evening's entertainment, full of verve and wit, laughter and music. It is a romantic comedy and all ends happily, but there are of course a number of powerfully emotional episodes along the way: betrayal, banishment, unfaithfulness, grief and disappointment, as well as reconciliations and reaffirmations of love.
Two best friends, Valentine and Proteus, the gentlemen of the title, one after the other depart Verona for Milan. Proteus leaves behind his love Julia, having exchanged rings and sworn eternal devotion. Valentine the first to arrive in Milan, there meets and immediately falls for Silvia, the Duke’s daughter. When Proteus follows, is reunited with his friend and introduced to Silvia, he too is dazzled by her and in a sophistic soliloquy persuades himself that to be true to himself, he must pursue her even though it means that he will betray and lose both Julia and Valentine.
Shakespeare’s tale is transferred to 1950’s Italy, set around a café in Verona and a nightclub in Milan with travel between the two facilitated by the railway. These settings are cleverly and economically suggested – for example the train station by a ticket booth, platform announcements, the sounds of a steam engines exerting themselves and some puffs of smoke. The café in Verona is owned by Proteus’s father who employs Julia as a waitress. The nightclub in Milan is owned by Silvia’s father, where she (a world famous singer) performs on a stage on the roof of the bar (which doubles as the café in Verona). The songs subtly comment on the yearnings and predicaments of the characters.
1 of 2
Matt Pereira
2 of 2
Matt Pereira
This is an open air performance in the lovely gardens of the College of Law, with trees and shrubs as the backdrop to the stage.
The four principal romantic roles are played with great skill, versatility and brio. Other brilliantly comic performances are given by Paul Trussell, a prodigiously silly Thurio, the third and least credible of the rivals vying for Silvia’s affections, by Emma Fenney as Speed, an assertive, no-nonsense servant to Valentine, and Matt Pinches as Launce, servant to Proteus, in charming partnership with his dog Crab (played on this occasion by Buddy, a highly sensitive Golden Retriever).
The play ends with all members of the cast including Crab in a stylish and jubilant dance, with all tensions and grievance having been resolved and peace and joy restored. It is an inventive and delightful performance, deeply enjoyable throughout. Enthusiastically recommended.
Check out Theatre/Arts Section for more great local thespian news, reviews and interviews
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on all our latest articles
Sign up to our Weekly Newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and stories
Looking to advertise your business in Surrey or SW London? Check out our 11 different lifestyle magazines with a combined monthly distribution of over 210,000
