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Solving a real cold case Cadfael
Lichfield Garrick ****
ELLIS Peter’s stories of Crusader -turned -Benedictine Monk proved a
popular take on the much trodden murder mystery genre when her novels
were published in the late 1970s. The BBC
clearly saw a gap in the market when they commissioned 13 of her books
for a successful run of episodes in 1994, starring Derek Jacobi as
the eponymous hero. A kind of ‘ Born again Columbo’
if you will. The gentle and slow moving stories were in stark
contrast to the high energy , cops and robbers output that monopolized
TV screens at the time. Cadfael’s transition to the
stage is a brave move. In a time when Producers are looking for ‘safe’
and ‘ sellable’ titles to get bums on seats, Middle Ground Theatre
Company must be commended for taking a chance on a play that is both new
and untested. This is no small endeavor in
any department. A cast of 15, a set that includes pre
-filmed sections and extensive use of sound effects and original music
are large scale elements of an impressive and loyal adaptation by
director, producer and writer Michael Lumney. The play retains much of
the serenity and deliberate slow tension that made the TV series
so successful. Dialogue and exposition of narrative play a crucial part
in moving the story forward. Scenes are relatively short
and the various locations provide pace and variety. In terms of creating
an atmosphere, the piece mostly achieves that , combining effects such
as falling snow with detailed backdrops, projections and a host of
wintery sound effects. Richard Walsh ( London's
Burning ) gives gravitas to the lead role - letting us believe perfectly
that he has a past that is somewhat incongruous with his peaceful
present. Stephen Beckett thunders as Alain le Gauchier - an imposing
presence both physically and vocally. There were problems, as might
be expected on the first night with a largely new cast and a break in
the touring schedule. Sound levels were not always consistent and at
times dialogue was not heard over the howling gale. Accents occasionally
crossed borders from Welsh to English and staging positions sometimes
meant that actors were delivering a lot of lines upstage, losing facial
expressions and some vocal clarity. The fight scenes could have
packed more of a punch, though the main sword fight sequence was well
executed and genuinely exciting. Small problems that will doubtless be
overcome. It is unlikely you will
find a play quite like this on the touring circuit. In the hands
of Middle Ground Theatre Company, celebrating it’s 25th anniversary this
year, it makes an impact and deserves a look. For those
seeking something a little different from the usual round of revivals
and safe bets, this is certainly worth a trip. Who knows? See it once
and it might become a habit. To 05-10-13. Tom Roberts
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