The Lion in Winter (2006)

27th July

	Social Evenings @ 8pm every Tuesday Nomes Summer workshop - book now! Visit To Chichester Festival Theatre What tipples your fancy? Prompt Corner

Username:
Password:

Not Registered?

Join the Nomad
Mailing List!

The Lion in Winter (2006)

Click to see a larger picture of The Lion in Winter

Directed By
Ian Nichols

Production Type
Nomads Production

Production Location
Main Theatre

Turnout: 77%

User Rating: (Awaiting votes)

Flier Summary:



	by James Goldman

Production Dates & Prices: (Please note Booking Information)



Date	Time	Price
Tuesday 10th October 2006	8:00pm	£8.50
Wednesday 11th October 2006	8:00pm	£8.50
Thursday 12th October 2006	8:00pm	£8.50
Friday 13th October 2006	8:00pm	£8.50
Saturday 14th October 2006	8:00pm	£8.50

Cast: (in programme order)



Martin Cox	... Henry II
Diane Nicholls	... Eleanor
Martin Lawrance	... Richard
Martin Tidy	... John
Rachel Greenaway	... Alais
Matthew Kalorkoti	... Philip

Crew: (in programme order)



Ian Nichols	... Director

Official Review:

JAMES Goldman's play speculates about the internecine struggles between King Henry ll, his wife and sons at Christmas 1183.

It can't be taken as a serious piece of history; the meetings re-enacted did not actually take place and the family strife, although real enough, could never have been as frenetic as the writer portrays. The plot is unrealistically serpentine. Allegiances between the main players change regularly.

Pacts are made on the hoof only to be broken on a whim and, in the end, nothing is resolved. So, what was it all about?

The Lion in Winter is, though, a first rate vehicle for a strong director and for all seven actors. The two main protagonists in Nomads' production, directed by Ian Nichols, were more than equal to the play's challenges. Martin Cox personified the autocratic, temperamental, monarch.

We saw his domineering nature, bordering on the tyrannical at times and, equally convincingly, occasional hints of his vulnerability. Fine voice modulation and understanding of his character brought meaning to every speech. The script indicates that Henry is aware of his own mortality and the actor seemed to age visibly in the later scenes.

He was perfectly balanced by Diane Nichols as Eleanor, the queen he had imprisoned for 10 years. She showed dignified forbearing almost throughout and the exchanges between her and her husband were electric at times.

All Henry's three then-surviving sons feature in the play. Michael Lawrence's body language showed the soldierly approach of Richard, the future Coeur de Lion, but his speech sometimes lacked spontaneity.

John, who was to follow him to the throne, is a particularly rewarding role; Martin Tidy brought out the humour as well as the pathos of the young man who wanted to rule but who seemed ill-equipped to lead.

Geoffrey remains an enigma. Shown as a manipulative double dealer willing to back whichever side will give him most power, David Ufton could not always reveal the man behind the mask.

Rachel Greenaway looked alluring as Alais, the King's mistress, and although far from innocent, was the closest to a sympathetic character the play had to offer. Matthew Kalorkoti gave a thoughtful portrayal of King Philip of France - a boy on the cusp of manhood and ready to flex his muscles against Henry.

Ian Nichols' set design was inspired in its simplicity and versatility. The most impressive feature was the arched entrance at the rear of the stage where the height was raised and lowered to indicate different rooms in the location, Chinon castle.

Jill Evans' thoughtfully chosen costumes were worn naturally by the actors. Andrew Donovan's original music ideally evoked the period.

Tony Flook

Related News:


Jun 2006	The Lion in Winter now Cast
May 2006	Auditions: The Lion in Winter

Recommendations:


The Lion in Winter Paperback
The Lion in Winter DVD

User Reviews:

No Online Reviews Found

Errors and omissions on this page may be reported by pressing the button below where they will be examined and, if accepted, included in a future update.