Grapple Theatre Company, starring a cast from Bristol Grammar School, take to the stage in this adaptation of two Gothic stories by Edgar Allan Poe. 'Bérénicé' and 'Ligeia' are brought to life by means of a chilling production that is utterly convincing. Thomas Redman’s vocal dexterity deserves special praise, as do the two male leads.
The production is simple yet effective. Costumes are black and white, with splashes of red for the protagonists. Transitions between past and present are convincingly achieved by having two actors, an older and a younger one, play each of the protagonists, so that the performance moves seamlessly between memory and reality.
Divided into two parts, the play begins with an adaptation of 'Berenice'. It opens with a chillingly morbid poem read by the full 14-strong cast. Berenice's ravaging disease is skilfully portrayed, and the protagonist's obsession with her teeth is successfully alarming.
'Ligeia', too, begins with a powerful group entrance. If anything this storyline is more creepy, and it was definitely the highlight of the show. The range of acting was admirable, with nothing being either over or underplayed. An excellent scene of physical theatre occurs when the protagonist takes drugs. Overall, the feeling was that the entire cast were pulling together, united in their passion for this script.
This show is executed with utmost professionalism, made all the more impressive one considers the young age of the cast. It is a thought-provoking and chilling piece of new theatre, and is definitely worth seeing.
