RSC Stratford upon Avon

The Winter’s Tale until the 30^{th of} August

“A winter’s treat for midsummer.”   Five stars *****

The RSC’s current production of The Winter’s tale is directed by Yael Farber, in a refreshingly minimalist and contemporary interpretation.

The play moves at a good pace, well served by the ensemble cast who lead us through the changing seasons and the passing of time with wonderful synchronicity of movement and reactions. There is live music on stage, some beautiful imagery and monochrome costume colours to reflect the winter theme. The comic- tragic style of the play is reflected well in the two halves with the second act bringing warmth and humour, especially well-crafted and delivered by Trevor fox as Time and the thief.

This is a story of jealous rage, leading to the imprisonment and apparent death of a pregnant Queen Hermione as King Leontes spirals out of control, accusing his wife of adultery with his childhood friend Polixenes. Polixenes manages to escape death with the help of the faithful Camilo as he returns to Bohemia.

The baby is born in prison and with Leontes ordering that she be abandoned on a desert shore.

Sixteen years later this baby has grown into a young woman Perdita and has fallen in love with the disguised son of Polixnes, Florizel. They both flee to Sicilia with the help of Camilo and Leontes is reunited with his long-lost daughter and his friend Polixenes.

There the story culminates with the unveiling of Hermione’s statue as it comes to life in a dramatic, redemptive resurrection. The lead performances are excellent, bringing natural accessibility to the Shakespearean text with Bertie Carvel and Madeline Appiah providing the energy and relatability from the outset. Leontes is played masterfully by Carvel who never overplays his mania yet is utterly convincing and even relatable as the paranoid king. Appiah as Hemione, has wonderful poise and dignity and her calm demeanor sharply contrasts the rage and jealousy of king Leontes

Aicha Kossoko plays Paulina with an engaging and at times comedic force, while Raphael Sowole gives a contrasting humility and gentle presence to his role as Camillo.

Trevor Fox’s charismatic performances as both the thief and Time are vital to the pace and humour in the second half.

Yael Farmer’s direction is clever and brave, with the ensemble bringing the vitality of dance and live music onto the barren stage. Contrasts of many kinds are highlighted by her clever direction deployed in the performances, the set, and the ensemble throughout the production.

The band assists with great energy and adds a live dimension to the story telling. We are presented with a clever, minimalist set dominated by a large, suspended orb that is lit up with a variety of projections to indicate the seasons and mood changes.

Reviewed by Judy Moore