The Young Pleasance company celebrates its tenth birthday with the return of this award-winning show, its first revival since it won a Fringe First Award in 1994.
Its 1865. A motley theatrical troupe led by Orlando Ballyvicks has arrived in the small seaside town of Porchester to perform for a week at the local theatre. Meanwhile, in nearby Bratton Hall, Charlotte, a young heiress, is being mistreated by her stepmother and her evil solicitor, Nicholas Thornhyde, who are plotting to steal Charlottes inheritance. Will Nicholas get away with her fortune? Will Charlotte find her Romeo?
The young company performs this Victorian melodrama exactly as it should be played seriously, but over the top, with every gesture being exaggerated to just the right extent. An orphan! they cry with amazement, whenever the travelling players see a child. There is never any question as to which are the good characters and which the bad, nor is there any real doubt that it will all end happily. All this just adds to the pleasure for the audience, who are on Charlottes side from the start.
The scenery is minimal, but very effective at showing the differences between life inside and outside Bratton Hall. Members of the acting troupe are all brightly dressed, noisy and full of life. Bratton Hall, is dark and depressing and everyone in it wears dull clothing and creeps about quietly.
A thoroughly delightful performance which will be enjoyed by all the family.
