Greg Hicks
Reviewing an RSC production in 1965, the drama critic Hugh Leonard ended thus “…from me a loud cheer and a second visit as soon as possible “. These words came back to me when watching the exciting first preview of KING LEAR on 18th February and I made a second visit on the 23rd February so I could join in the loud cheers again for what is an outstanding evening in the theatre.
David Farr and his designer Jon Bausor have come up with a most original and powerful staging which so superbly takes us from the time of Lear’s dynasty to the age of the younger generation when betrayal, treason, invasion and greed for power tear the country apart and with devastating consequences. There are some coups de theatre reminding one of the crashing bookcases in THE WINTER’S TALE but I shall not spoil the effects by revealing them.
How right Michael Boyd was when he stated that by now the work of the ensemble would begin to cook. Every character has their own special moment and as was the case with THE HISTORIES ensemble one year on we see teamwork and performances par excellence. The rehearsal period has resulted in an absolutely splendid speaking of the text, so much so that anyone seeing the play for the first time, comes to a story so clearly told. In fact, it is so clear that so much inflection and stage business comes straight from the text. It will be fascinating to see this cast in ANTHONY AND CLEOPATRA, not forgetting the two public understudy performances.
It is an ensemble production, but Greg Hick’s performance of Lear must be given individual mention for many reasons. His first entrance is most striking and original as are his relationships with his daughters, the Fool, Kent and Gloucester. He finds meanings both powerful and moving in the text, all of which come across as so fresh and memorable. In Greg Hicks, we also see the humour of the man, his ability to relate to those who are loyal to him and his baffled hurt and pain on being rejected -rejection so cruel that madness follows. I also came away from this production thinking that THIS Lear would indeed have been a strong and mighty ruler in his prime and realizing why his loyal subjects were so heartbroken by his death.
A terrific start to the new season !
by Tony Boyd-Williams, RSC Friends, Stratford
I saw Greg Hicks at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle in production of ‘Hamlet’. He was the Ghost. He was very
frightening. There is not much the Ghost in Hamlet can do
really, yet this performance stood out as a really important
aspect of the plot, and this was due to the actor.
That production was a fine production yet Greg Hicks in a part
which is not known for its great dialogue made a lasting
impression.
Nice that Mr Hicks is now getting the recognition he deserves.