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Brownsea Open Air Theatre Brownsea Island Poole Harbour July 2004 It is a hugely entertaining, farcical romp that has clearly been directed with much love and care by the supremely talented Jo Puttick, and his inspired touch is evident in every detail. His cast is outstanding, with excellent, well-rounded performances from everyone involved, and only lack of space prevents me from heaping superlatives on them all. Dave Clements may be short but he has a huge personality that is ideally suited to the roguish Sir John Falstaff, here portrayed almost as a cockney ‘cheeky chappy’ who is loved by all despite his lecherous tendencies. And, among the other magnificent characterisations, all of which I shall find hard to forget, Angela Whyatt is a total joy as Mistress Quickly, as are her real-life husband, Andrew, as Justice Shallow and Harry Susser as French physician, Doctor Caius. Showers of gold stars must also go to Pauline Gainsford and her team for creating some of the best costumes ever to grace the stage. They, and the entire production, are nothing short of stupendous. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo |
