RSC Friends

Photograph by Isaac James.

An impressive production with outstanding performances from the large cast. What was remarkable was not only the consistently high standard of the acting but also the nuanced playing of even the minor roles.

The sets and props intensify the bleak mood of the play. The set and costumes are monochrome, the court identifiable by dull gold decoration and heralded by braying trumpets.

Lear makes his entrance in a glass sedan chair which emphasises his detachment from court and kingdom. The King believes he is making a generous settlement on his daughters which will enable him to retain the benefits of kingship. The ensuing exchanges between the daughters and their father are furious, passionate and utterly convincing. The King expresses his fury and incredulity whilst gradually descending into confusion and loss as his mind unravels. Meanwhile, Lear’s Fool provides a darkly humorous and prophetic commentary on the action which was much enjoyed by the audience.

The anarchy that results from the breakdown in political authority is exemplified in the fall and mutilation of the Earl of Gloucester. Persuaded to disinherit his legitimate son by the villainous Edmund, Gloucester is subsequently mutilated by Lear’s daughter Regan and her husband. Gloucester represents the shocking ease with which a kingdom can be suborned by the ruthless self interest of a few and the blindness of the many.

A visceral and powerful production. The audience’s response was sustained and rapturous applause.