31 August – 2 September
This production is all about Bristol. However, this production doesn’t limit itself to the Bristol portrayed in this retelling of the Greek myth. Neither is it about the Bristol Old Vic, where it is staged in the main theatre and the support it has provided. Rather, it is about the wider Bristol community, and in particular the theatre community, which is as broad as the Avon Gorge is long.
Every week, over 400 people aged 3 and above take part in Bristol Old Vic engagement activities, including the community groups involved in this production.
Over a decade in development and a year in the making, the show is entirely made up of non-professional actors and singers, including the choir ever present on a gantry at the back of the stage. In total, seven Bristol community groups and over 140 people of all ages and backgrounds take part as evidence of the Old Vic’s commitment to embracing diversity in our city and increasing access to the theatre.
The version is superbly adapted by Olivier award winner Adam Peck, who effortlessly transforms the Greek legend into a Bristolian context. Leigh Woods, St Brendan’s College, Brandon Hill and the Gorge itself feature as musically talented Jake Rayner Blair, as Orpheus, falls in love with Shelena Artman’s Eurydice. The problem is that he is a god and she a mere mortal, and although he is a wonderful singer, he cannot write songs. That is until Eurydice and he combine her lyrics about love with his music. However, disaster falls and Orpheus must descend into Hades to try to bring Eurydice back to the land of the living.
Manoeuvring such a huge cast around the stage is one thing, but to do it with ingenuity and sheer theatrical skill is another, and director Lis Gregan deserves huge credit. Superb lighting changes by Imogen Senter along with a fabulous set design by Anna Orton make sure that this is a production worthy of the main stage. The various companies; Old Vic Young Company, Six Six, Oi Polloi, Meadows to Meaders and ACTA each contribute hugely.
Although it’s almost churlish to single out individuals in such a big community project, the two principal actors were very convincing and have a bright future in theatre. The paranoid three-headed hound of hell, Cerberus is marvellously brought to life by young Elijah Bangura, Jasper Verinder and Khadijah Sawyers and there are also authentic performances by Rene Katiisa as Eurydice’s mother and Rozelle Gemma as Hades.
The second half is darker. The Avon becomes the Stygian River, and ferry people take Eurydice to the underworld against her will. However, throughout all, love and community remain the central themes.
Indeed, what is life without community, and what is a theatre without community involvement? As the entire cast sings at the finale, ‘What is life without love?’. Thanks to everyone involved in bringing this story together.
★★★★★ Bryan J Mason, 2 September 2023
Photo credit: Ben Robins
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