Faust
A familiar tale to classicists and A-level English students, this is the timeless story of an academic who sells his soul to the demon Mephastopheles in exchange for the vaguaries of fame and fortune only to find himself set on a sticky path. With new original music, Goethe’s lyrical script has been translated and then adapted by director John Ward so that this talented troupe of actor/musicians could shine. Alex Mugnaioni growled and twinkled with menace and mischief as the untrustworthy demon, Lloyd Gorman captured the dishevelled everyman with a gluttony for excess and a cowardice for the consequences, and Eilidh Debonnaire was the picture of innocence and purity ripe for the spoiling. The entire cast were very impressive, with musical dexterity that saw instruments passed around mid melody – the company made up an enchanting gypsy orchestra. An atmosphere of fatalism and fear of the decadence that was reminiscent of that illicit first alcoholic drink; an enticing gateway danger.
The Warren, 22 May 2012
Rating:
Victoria Nangle
I saw this on Wednesday evening and whole heartedly agree with VN. This company of multi talented performers brought real menace and sadness to the stage. Mephistopheles is a seductive force that I suspect few could resist. Faust is almost equal to him, but not quite, and this gives the story real power. The music has touches of Eissler and Weill, but also of Schönberg and Boublil and the production has the raw energy of a good Brechtian drama. Beautifully underlit throughout, and sparingly designed, (Mephistopheles could do with better shoes), this production is moments away from brilliant. The only misgiving that I had was the ensemble singing of the sacred music where their strong theatre voices lacked the purity and finesse of a church choir, but this is a minor quibble. Particular mention should be given to Eilidh Debonnaire who plays Gretchen with disarming innocence and to Jofre Belles Alsina whose solo is a real show stealer. I would go further than VN and give it 4.5 stars.
Andrew Kay