25 Sep 2024
Deborah Heath looks back at her favourites from this year’s outdoor event…
Now that the sun has set on this year’s Roman Theatre Festival and I have packed away my trusty bag of weatherproof clothing and cushions, it is a time for me to reflect on the many shows I saw and celebrate their successes.
Overall, it was an absolutely fantastic season, hosted by our very own OVO, showcasing not only their own theatrical inventiveness but that of a range of specially selected visiting companies.
I feel truly privileged to live in a city with so much cultural talent. What follows is simply a list of my personal highlights having seen around 15 productions.
If you would like to read full reviews, please look back on our past issues where you will see that every single show I saw had something to boast about.
A special mention to the wonderful front of house team who made the audiences feel so welcome and even managed to keep calm when the toilets broke! A huge round of applause to the festival organisers, those on stage and behind the scenes.
Favourite Adaptation of a classic play: ‘Present Laughter’, Changeling Theatre
I had forgotten how funny Noel Coward’s ‘Present Laughter’ was. However, what made Changeling Theatre’s version so successful was the way it highlighted today’s obsession with fame and the cost at which people get it. The actors were strong, the design bold and bright and I feel that Coward would have approved. Infectiously funny!
Favourite Production from an Amateur Company: ‘Into the Woods’, Act4Productions
Act4Productions’ presentation of ‘Into the Woods’ captured the fairy tale magic we all long for and transported us to a far away land. Not only was it beautifully presented and performed but so wisely selected for this space because the beauty of the Roman Theatre was an integral part of the story telling atmosphere. While it was a long play, it captured my attention throughout, and I admire the way it challenged as well as comforted the audience. Well done to everyone involved!
#Favourite Musical: ‘The Highwayman’, OVO and Theatre Royal, Norwich
Kitty Morgan’s new musical left me speechless; here is a writer who can turn her hand equally well to songwriting as poignantly funny dialogue. The acting shone with brilliance, the design was spectacular and the musical performance outstanding. I do hope ‘The Highwayman’ goes on to get the status it deserves and I will always remember that I saw it here first!
Favourite Historical Tale: ‘Robin Hood’, The Pantaloons and ‘Gawain and The Green Knight’ MakeitBeautiful Theatre
I just can’t separate the success of these two shows. They both gave us a hilarious and energetic spin on a classic story with a small cast. Both companies certainly knew how to involve an audience which is an integral skill for performing in this open-air space. I laughed so much and am still thinking about these plays fondly. I hope to see The Pantaloons and MakeItBeautiful next year – well done!
Overall Favourite: ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ OVO
OVO’s opening show set the tone for the whole festival. It celebrated everything OVO does best – industry-leading actor musicianship, great design and a bold new imagining of a classic tale whilst retaining respect for Shakespeare’s original work. Bravo to Adam Nichols and the OVO team!
I wish OVO all the best for planning next year’s festival and encourage all readers to attend at least one show next year. No excuses about the British weather please- I didn’t get rained on at all!
