Written by Friedrich Schiller, and presented this afternoon in its English adaptation by David Harrower, 'Mary Stuart' is a quasi-historically acurate account of the final days of Mary, Queen of Scots. Schiller's play was written in 1800, yet, Harrower is a contemporary Scottish playwright. Perhaps though in Elizabeth Wright's costuming for the play this fusion of traditional and contemporary was more than just that, since it was a complete mix between period and modern, fusing ruffs, bodices and chemises with jeans and beanie hats. And when so much atention to detail in every other aspect of this production had been made, this simply looked and felt wrong. However since that is my only negative criticism of this production, it's good to have got it out of the way first thing.
The stage was 'in the round', with four entrances / exits at each corner, covered by red curtains, whilst a black and white chequered tiled floor with beautiful use of gobos adorned the acting space. Scant set items - just what was necessary, were deftly and swiftly brought in and out by the cast, and the scene changes were smart and swift. The lighting design was amazing (Tracey Gibbs), and the sound levels were always perfect. As a personal preference I would have prefered more contemporary music in keeping with the Elizabethan period, but this did not distract in the way the costuming did.
The stage was 'in the round', with four entrances / exits at each corner, covered by red curtains, whilst a black and white chequered tiled floor with beautiful use of gobos adorned the acting space. Scant set items - just what was necessary, were deftly and swiftly brought in and out by the cast, and the scene changes were smart and swift. The lighting design was amazing (Tracey Gibbs), and the sound levels were always perfect. As a personal preference I would have prefered more contemporary music in keeping with the Elizabethan period, but this did not distract in the way the costuming did.
David Salter's direction was intelligent and thoughtful. There were a couple of moments where the pace dipped just a litle too much, but overall the light and shade in the piece was brought out superbly. Every cast member (all 11 of them), were presenting a truthful and visceral story with so many plot twists, duplicitousness and intrigue it is no wonder these were dangerous times in which to live. Powerful, dynamic and believable performances from all, and so, despite the play's 155-minute running time, we were completely invested in the drama from start to finish.
Rarely have I seen a pair of student performances so spine-chillingly and goosebump-inducingly excellent as I witnessed this afternoon. Lula Marsh (Mary Stuart) and Megan Keaveny (Elizabeth I) were just electric. The journeys these two characters took and their commitment was just mind-blowing; every tiny movement of the hand, the eye-brow, exact and measured to perfection. Let that not diminish the performances of the the other eight actors on stage this afternoon, for they all are deserving of the highest praise, and together they made a formidable ensemble.
I am always impressed, nay wowed, by the standard and quality of acting which comes from the students of the Manchester School of Theatre, yet in the many years that I have had the pleasure of witnessing their final year productions, 'Mary Stuart' will stay with me for a very long time.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 4.11.22
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