A wonderful introduction to the world of the Bard
Chapterhouse Theatre Company, Cockington Court
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WHAT better play than Romeo and Juliet to get your first taste of William Shakespeare?
When it's done in style in the surroundings of Cockington Court, what mmore could I ask for?
For so many years I was unable to enjoy the Bard's fine work in the language it was originally written in.
But the production by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company put an end to my ignorance and opened a new swathe of not only English but world literature for me to explore.
I had first been acquainted with Romeo and Juliet through Baz Lurhman's film with Leonardo DiCaprio.
As much as I enjoyed the modern take on the old-age story, I felt I ought to give the original a proper look.
"From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-cross'd lovers, take their life... In fair Verona where we set our scene..."
When the classic lines of the play's prologue were said, I knew it would be an experience to remember.
Throughout the two hours of the play, the brief rain interludes and the actresses' soft voices which would have gained to be projected louder, the cast did not disappoint.
The set was primitive but worked well and fitted in with the beautiful landscaped gardens of Cockington Court.
Being an open air play, the ambience was one you could imagine to be similar to that of the 16th century when the play was first shown.
The acting was good and the production by Richard Main, writer Laura Turner and director Andrew Ashenden was enjoyable throughout.
Well done to the cast and the team behind the show and thanks for giving me my first taste of Shakespeare.
