Review: Red Noses; SUDS; Drama Studio; 27/11/2008

[cassandra_7]

Disclaimer: I'm not even going to pretend to be impartial. What you're getting here is my opinion. Nothing more or less.

Note: I'm starting a new Journal for the reviews, which (hopefully) will also include listings of amateur dramatics showing in Sheffield. If you're interested theatre in Sheffield, Friend theatre_cass


Red Noses
by: SUDS - Sheffield University Drama Society
at: The Drama Studio
27 November 2008

This was a fantastic show. So I'm going to get the neutral and negative points out of the way first.

Point One: This is not a comedy. If you're looking for light entertainment, this is not it. I think quite a few members of the audience (including me) were surprised by this. There is humour, but almost all of it is of an off-hand vaudeville variety rather than integral to the play.
Point Two: The show runs a full three hours (including a 15 minute intermission) so be wary of planning to meet friends in pubs afterward. The show doesn't let out until 10:30.

Now that that's out of the way. The acting was as good as I've ever seen at the Drama Studio. And those of you who know me, know that that's saying a lot. I'm a member of The Company, and think they are exceedingly good, so this is not faint praise. Truly there was not a weak character among the entire (and extensive!) cast.

The set was beautiful, with excellent (excellent!) use made of smoke and scrims. The costumes were likewise very, very good, and always appropriate for the part and scene. Sound effects and lighting were good (although I'm not sure I understood the car-crash noise toward the end....)

Of note: The character of Sonnerie (aka Mr. Bells) played by Julia Bisby was a real treat. Every move she made drew the eye and entranced the viewer. One of the most memorable scenes in the play was when the (mute) Mr Bells 'told' a story which the entire on-stage audience laughed at -- while the audience was left guessing. For me, another high point was one of the many characters played by Bill Leslie. Having performed with Bill in a previous play, it was particularly amusing to see him dressed as a woman (the object being to 'trick' the plague into avoiding him, as 'only half as many women are stricken with the plague as men. This dress doubles [his] chances' I laughed and laughed.

The evil characters were *scarily* evil, the good characters 'nobly' good. The ravens were terrifying in their uncaring selfishness (as was the Pope in his clinical viciousness). Oh, I almost forgot to mention the 'lusty nun' Marguerite played by Naomi Deaville. By turns both carefree and stricken, the audience was always captured and taken with whatever emotion Margureite was feeling. Well done to Naomi. I'm going to say here that just because I've not mentioned a character or actor by name doesn't mean I didn't thouroughly enjoy the portrayals. It's simply a matter that if I listed everyone who performed well, I'd be listing the entire cast.
All in all, not a play I would have chosen to see, but beyond a doubt well worth the seeing.

Overall: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Recommendation: A definite must see - unless you're looking for light comedy.

Comments

[thegreatgonzo.livejournal.com]

Every move she made drew the eye and entranced the viewer.

You know you said you were sure she was a dancer, I worked out where I know her from. I met her at Cis's party and therefore she is almost certainly a bellydancer.