Great Show

On Saturday March 4 my husband, daughter, a friend and I went to the Arts Centre to see a play performed by the Old Town Theatre Company.

We watched an excellent presentation of The Lion in Winter, superbly acted, cast and directed. Let us give our full support to these dedicated groups, before Swindon becomes a cultural desert.

(Mrs) V I Selway
Stratton St Margaret

King Henry II faces up to the King of France and his three sons

Royal Suspicion and Intrigue

Old Town Theatre Company provided an enthralling flashback to the Christmas of 1183 in Michael Bull's excellent production of James Goldman's drama, 'The Lion in Winter', at Swindon Arts Centre last week.

A simple, highly effective set, superb costumes and lighting, and evocative incidental music placed the action squarely within Henry II's castle at Chinon, in France.

Henry, at fifty, is concerned to establish the identity of his successor, and the plot centres on the suitability of the sons who have gathered to share Christmas with him, his wife Queen Eleanor (Whom he has released from imprisonment for the holiday), 23-year-old Alais, who has been his mistress for seven years, and her brother, King Phillip of France.

Lance Hodges' compelling performance as King Henry is well matched by Wendy Vickery's incisive portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Prince Richard, the eldest son, favoured by Eleanor, is played by Luke Mooney; Richard Large is the immature, eager, Prince John, whom Henry prefers, and Paul Felix plays Prince Geoffrey, the middle son who feels that his potential has always been ignored.

Doomed to be together; Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II

Sophie Wallis is charming as Alais, the devoted young mistress whose only concern is to be close to Henry. Could this continue, if she became Richard's wife? Despite the King's re-assurance, apprehension clouds her future.

Who may be plotting against whom, and what may an eavesdropper learn by lurking behind heavy drapes that stem chill draughts in Henry's French palace? Currents of suspicion and intrigue swirl amid complex relationships as hidden motives are glimpsed. If the whole truth is known, who can survive?

What a pity that the first night of this bold, highly enjoyable production did not attract a full house!

The director's assertion that OTTC found the Lion in Winter rewarding and challenging was echoed by the audience's appreciative response.

Stella Taylor

Actors tackle history play with great zeal

Young and old: Alais and King Henry II

Old Town Theatre Company produced another piece of theatre this week at Swindon's Art Centre, which would have never graced the shortlists of forthcoming productions for many amateur companies.

I am always surprised and pleasantly pleased by the players' performances, whichever guise they are portraying. This was no exception.

The Lion in Winter was a brave choice; especially when the play, written by James Goldman, was made into a film several years ago. It is never easy to try to portray something on stage which has previously had a lavish film treatment.

The year is 1183 in King Henry II of England's palace in Chinon, France.

It is a tale of family fued, sibling rivalry, marital triangles and such like that could, in all honesty, have been any household in the present day. Well almost, swords and hose aside.

Clockwise from bottom right: The King of France, Prince Richard, Prince John and Prince Geoffrey

Lance Hodges had the difficult role of Heny and played it with great zeal and enthusiasm. No surprise there then.

Wendy Vickery was the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine. She has a certain style on stage which is admirable in an amateur actress.

And the pretty Sophie Wallis was cast perfectly as the King's mistress Alais.

Luke Mooney, Paul Felix, Richard Large and Richard Abrams completed a very competent cast, each one showing just why they where suited to the roles they played, with their wonderful understated characterisations. All very different.

OTTC always use just the right music in every play I've seen them perform. Costumes, scenery and lighting, all add to the overall atmosphere of the play.

Director, Michael Bull, made good use of the simple sets and his actors.

I look forward to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar – the next offering from this very able company.

Ros Hollands