Richard the Rotten

Such a novel idea, in this unbearably over-hyped Jubilee season, to stage Richard III in the punk era of the previous Silver Jubilee in 1977. Blighted by the atrocious weather, the company continued on fearlessly at the Harwich Redoubt, and now it has moved on to Colchester Castle. 

The result is another quaint but challenging Priory Players production in foreign surroundings, out of their old Trinity Square setting. Interesting to watch, though like many modern dress Shakespeares the use of the modern costume can be a little distracting, and lacks restraint - where Ian McKellen's 1930's version brought in the fascist clothing gradually as the symbol of Richard's sinister rise to power, this version has everybody in punk fashions, from the word go.

As a result actors like Will Parrick and David Elliott look comfortable in the DM boots, while the rest look in fancy dress. In the title role Kevin Topple - modelled on Johnny Rotten - bravely hurls himself into the part, although it lacks emotional depth and only comes into his own when the ghosts of his victims return. The performances, despite one or two wooden contributions, were all hard working, although lacking chemistry between the characters, except briefly between Gloucester and Buckingham. 

The most brilliant moment was when the excellent Chrissie Kettle looked up to the window of Colchester Castle - a Norman castle, just like the Tower of London. After a while I forgot about the costumes and got into the history, once Shakespeare took over - occasionally interrupted by that infernal music.

Nice idea, it could have been done better.

d: Lorraine Dunt
s: Kevin Topple, Will Parrick, Chrissie Kettle, Brian Malone, Liz Mullen, David Elliott, Ben Field, Nigel Walford, and others