High on atmospherics but low on sense has to be the verdict on this bold take on Thomas Middleton’s broiling 1606 mass of violence, vengeance and lust. Suba Das’s production has unfortunately suffered a spate of technical problems which has prevented all of the director’s bold vision being realised but no glitch can explain away the script, which has been pared down to incomprehensibility and beyond.
For those who don’t know the play — and a synopsis in the programme would have helped — the first half is the other side of bewildering. Vindice (Tom Mothersdale) vows to take revenge on the Duke (Vincenzo Nicoli) for poisoning his betrothed after she spurned his advances. The Duke himself heads a complicated, corrupt family who are scheming for power.
Flickering television screens and pre-recorded voiceovers don’t work nearly as well as the creative team obviously think they do, and sit uneasily with the early 20th century style of dress. Mothersdale’s frenzied commitment to the part is beyond doubt but Jaime Winstone looks exposed even in the small-ish role of Vindice’s upright sister Castiza.
Her shrill voice ill fits the richness of the writing and her default setting of a scowl is wearisome.
Sitting us in pews for the church-set climax is a clever idea but it’s too little too late.
Until November 10 (therevengerstragedy.co.uk)
