First Performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona at Arnos Vale

Review of the evening by Sarah Cox

Well the weather in October has been quirky and unusual to say the least.  The 3rd of October started with glorious sunshine which lasted throughout the day..... until about half six in the evening when the clouds started to fill the skies and the much looked forward outdoor performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona by the Roughhouse Theatre Group looked very much like turning into a performance of The Tempest!

But a masterplan had already been planned and those attending were not disappointed - the performance started and ended in the wonderful Anglican Chapel.  It was a shame that the planned outdoor performance at the beginning could not go ahead due to the weather but it certainly didn't dampen the spirits.

Talking of spirits, those who arrived early enjoyed a glass of wine or two inside the Spielman Centre.  A constant hum of conversation and expectation filled the air and excitement grew as the time grew near for the play to start.

An enthusiastic burst through the doors by one of the cast heralded the start of the play and led the crowd like the Pied Piper along Ceremonial way and inside the Anglican Chapel.  And the play began.......

At the end of the evening everyone returned to the Spielman Centre to meet and mingle with the cast members.  Discussions on the very first performance of Shakespeare at Arnos Vale ensued and beaming, smiling, happy faces were evident all round from both those attending as well as the cast members.  A buzz of excitement and energised conversations could be heard.  Comments such as;

"From the moment it started until the very end I was totally absorbed by the performance.  It just goes to show you how fantastic the acting was as absolutely no scenery was needed, or extravagant props required", Liz Johnson

"Absolutely loved it and it had me it stitches from start to finish.  Brilliant!" Cherry Barnett

"Fab acoustics in Anglican Chapel.  An utterly fabulous day of Shakespeare - thank you all sooooooo much!!!" Marianne McAleer

"Fab all round! Loved it! Realy enjoyed following the cast around outside - excellent lighting and being outside really brought it to life.  Thanks!"  Unknown audience member.

My two teenagers attended, my son aged 14 and my daughter aged 16.  Both were new to Shakespeare and had never attending anything like this before - I had no idea how they would react or whether they would enjoy it.  They followed the crowd and disappeared into the Anglican Chapel and I heard no more until it was all over....

......they returned to the Spielman Centre with huge grins on their faces, both still laughing and in high spirits.  Both thought the acting and the audience interaction was great.  As a result they both want to come back and watch the other Shakespeare play of Measure for Measure later in the week! 

Arnos Vale is certainly where it's all happening! 

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