Friday 1st September

The staging of touring productions in stately homes and gardens for the edification of the general public, has now been going for such a time as to qualify as a tradition. Jenny Wren productions – no strangers to life on the open road as strolling theatricals and licensed Bohemians – have brought before us the story of Nicholas Nickleby as faithfully presented by the illustrious Mr Vincent Crummles, whose company of talented actors (including of course the matchless Infant Phenomenon) have set up shop for the night in the magnificent setting of the grounds of Berkeley Castle (deposed monarchs beware!). Lending lustre to proceedings are the combined talents of Messrs Lenville and Folair (Aidan Mosby and Callum Scurfield) – though I confess to a little puzzlement as to why such talented thespians should descend to a bout of public nose tweaking (amusing though it was) when weightier matters were at hand.

Mr Crummles himself (Marshall Lockwood) depicted, with a fine understanding of the darker side of human nature, the twin villains of Wackford Squeers and Mr Ralph Nickleby, only to surprise the audience with a theatrical volte-face by giving us his Ned Cheeryble, the amiable brother of the equally benign, Charles. The latter depicted by the brazenly talented Infant Phenomenon (Stephanie Louise) who showed more bounce than a politician canvassing for votes. Her portrayal of Kate Nickleby was of such sensitivity as to evoke the tenderest feelings of sympathy amongst the audience.

Miss Stevens showed herself to be the master of pathos with her touching and sensitive portrayal of the much wronged, but dutiful, Madeline Bray. (One has to confess revulsion at the venal hard-heartedness of her father)

Mr Folair was the very embodiment of fortitude in the face of adversity and, in no less measure, compassion for the pathetic creature Smike, who was played with what one detected as a certain reluctance by Mr Lenville. (who saw himself in a more leading role). Notwithstanding, it was a triumph in the depiction of one of God’s less fortunate creatures.

At various junctures in proceedings the cast vouchsafed a certain disappointment, dare one say irritation, at the absence of a pony, which apparently languished lame, hidden from public view and thus necessitated a certain amount of improvisation in the manner of transport which the story narrated. The cast, nothing loath, rose to the situation and journeys by various wheeled carriages were successfully enacted.

At the end of proceedings the company graciously received the approbation of a delighted audience who made their way in the gathering gloom, past the looming presence of the castle, to the hearths and bosoms of their families, wiser no doubt as to the snares that await the unwary and the inhumanity that stalks in the temples of finance.

Long may this tradition of summer evenings flourish.  See below for details of the last performance this summer season.  

★★★☆☆    Graham Wyles   2nd September 2023