London’s Soho, on the verge of the 20th century’s sexual revolution, may seem an unlikely era for the English Touring Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company to set the Jacobean play. Yet, Thomas Middleton’s saucy comedy, A Mad World My Masters, finds new vibrancy in the late 1950’s, a dichotomous time of sexual frustration and liberation. Phil Porter and Sean Foley, who also directs a large ensemble cast, have edited this new version to include the usual ETT live band and, on this occasion, the divine vocals of Linda John-Pierre.
The title perfectly sums up this production with an exhaustive collection of intertwining tales and outrageous characters causing chaos and mayhem. Never ending double entendre and not-so-subtle innuendo come from all quarters, as the actors titillate the audience with wonderfully energised performances, notably Ben Deery as Mr Littledick and Sarah Ridgeway as the ‘virtuous’ whore, Truly Kidman. Clear diction is vital with this dialogue heavy script and unfortunately this isn’t consistently achieved and although the music provides a welcome break between scenes it does result in each act running at a lengthy 80 minutes each.
The production qualities are exactly what you expect from ETT and the RSC. Alice Power’s quirky, adaptable set, is beautifully enhanced by Johanna Town’s lighting design and superbly dressed with Samantha Pickering’s costume
This isn’t for the easily offended but is an enjoyable and fresh interpretation of an old English classic, offering plenty of laughs through its physical comedy and must be an utter joy for those having to study it. A Mad World My Masters runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday before continuing on tour. ★★★★☆ Rob Holcroft 26/03/15
Photo by Manuel Harlan
