In a mysterious manor house on the edge of a magical wood, a Machiavellian lord manipulates his dinner guests as part of a midsummer ritual. JM Barrie’s original story Dear Brutus continues themes easily recognised from his most notable work, Peter Pan, where a fantasy world touches the lives of ordinary people. Stephanie Sinclaire’s adaptation of the story suffers from a vaguely pedestrian script that rarely engages its audience, but which is just about rescued by strong performances, wonderful design and slick, pertinent choreography.
Keith Faulkner plays Lob with confidence and ease, his fluid body drifting around the set controlling the action and keeping the servants in order. Neil Henry as the butler Matey turns his hand to some real magic, which is always a delight, and in the second half pairs off with the snooty Lady Caroline - Helen Anker, in a plum role. Naomi Preston-Low steals the show as the perky and precocious innocent of the piece, Margaret.
In a love triangle, Oliver Stoney plays a seedy musician who cheats on his wife. Katherine Kastin is Mabel, a vivacious actor who brings energy to the role and works remarkably well opposite Charlotte Radford as the flighty Joanna. Billy Geraghty and Oona Kirsch complete the dinner party as a couple on the verge of emotional collapse, mourning for the child they never had
Stephanie Sinclaire’s direction is tight and is complimented by a superb artistic team, including some wonderful movement - considering the intimacy of the King’s Head stage - by Marc Urquhart. Georgia Lowe’s wonderful set creates a mystical wood and ancient manor house beautifully coloured and enchantingly lit by Peter Harrison.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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