A Tale of Two Cities

If you book to see anything this autumn then dash to the Theatre Royal Brighton to catch this extraordinarily good piece of theatre. The idea of this Dickens being condensed to an evening of theatre breeds a fear that it would be crudely filleted – but this was far from the truth. The heart of the novel is delivered with style and dramatic skill that stretches from the talented cast and direction to the brilliant setting, costumes, lighting and soundscape. The entire evening was gripping, moving and at times truly scary, there was a tangible sense of fear that had the audience rapt.

The Touring Consortium Theatre Company deliver Dickens with class and commitment in a production that would sit well on any West End stage and this collaboration with Royal & Dearngate and adapter Mike Poulton proves that fiction, complex fiction with a massive cast of characters, can be staged effectively. Full marks too to the company who convincingly play multiple roles without ever being confusing. Great performances all round but a particular mention for Joseph Timms whose portrayal of Sydney Carton was captivatingly sleazy and finally deeply moving. I could watch it all again, and again…

Theatre Royal Brighton

2 November

Andrew Kay

5 stars