Romeo and Juliet

Argosy Players
14th - 19th May 2012
Compass Theatre, Ickenham

In my experience it is rare to experience Shakespeare’s work performed at local level and I don’t recall any of the Bard’s work performed at the Compass within the last decade, so this was an experience not to be missed.

Director, Keith French took the bold step of creating a set that leapt out from the stage into the auditorium and using a configuration of the seating that enabled the actors to use the area in front of the main stage as a performance area. Combined with an impressive stairs and balcony the action of the play took place on several levels, which really involved the audience. The set as a whole had the feeling of the famous Globe theatre and the actors also used the auditorium doors as part of the setting.

The cast included actors aged from 17 to 70, some of whom would be performing Shakespeare for the first time. Few will be unfamiliar with the story of the two feuding families, the Capulet's and Montague’s whose young teenagers fall in love. Romeo played by Samir Sheriff stepped into the role with only four weeks to go when the previous actor dropped out and gave a passionate and committed performance. Alicia Balchin as Juliet was assured and confident in her role.

There were stand out performances from Sally Munday as Nurse who gave great light and shade to her role, Stephen Walsh as Mercrutio, Curtis Ashley as Tybalt and Tom Mackriel as Benvolio.

A special mention must go to David Young who played Lord Capulet with gravitas and a clear understanding of the text, delivered with impeccable diction, something that the younger members of the cast would do well to heed. Finally, Craig Cameron-Fisher gave an acting masterclass as Friar Lawrence. His delivery, diction and intonation was superb, every word as clear as a bell and he looked as if he both meant and understood the words he delivered. It’s no surprise that he is moving in more illustrious acting circles working for Ralph Fiennes in the film ‘The Invisible Woman’.

With Shakespeare, good diction and enunciation is vital and at times the younger members of the cast were inaudible, gabbling and throwing lines away. This will come with experience and time should they dare take on further works by the Bard.

Congratulations go to Keith French for a stunning set ably assisted by another fine set builder Alan Bailey, but also for having the courage and skill to mount such a challenging, bold and impressive production.

The Argosy Players are not just about performing, but have an extensive social programme as well, and are always looking for new recruits. Find out more online at www.argosyplayers.org.uk. They will be back with “RIOT” at the Winston Churchill Hall on Saturday 2^nd June 2012.

Simon Tidball