Richmond
Movingstage presents
The Ancient Mariner
by S.T. Coleridge
a dramatic monologue by Howard Colyer.
4 Stars****

Puppet Theatre Barge, Puppett Theatre Barge
87 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UT
Phone: 020 7249 6876
Mobile: 07836 202 745
Runs 90 mins One interval.
September 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & October 1 at 7.30pm

TICKETS: 0333 666 3366
www.puppetbarge.com
Review: Tom Aitken 4 September

Unusual, and totally engrossing
The Puppet Barge is an intimate space with eight five-seat benches. It is the near-perfect (only those on the front row get an unobstructed view) space for this atmospheric, strangely gripping presentation.

The voice of Kenneth Griffith reads Coleridge’s mesmeric poem and a highly skilled team of unseen puppeteers and actors produce not merely movement but expression of the widely varied emotions summoned out of the depths
by Coleridge’s text.

Every now and then I would ask myself ‘Why are you so wrapped up in and moved by this?’ only to plunge immediately back into full absorption.

As the programme points out, Coleridge’s imitation of the ancient ballads is touched with primitive fear. It is also made more relevant than ever by environmental awareness.
But, I would think, such reflections come later. While you are watching you are held completely by the tale and it beautiful – but never undramatic – presentation.

Operators: Kate Middleton, Stanley Middleton, Rosie Leahy, Jess Heritage, Emily Dybie-Kitchin

Voices
Narrator: Kenneth Griffith
Woman: Karol Hagar
Death: David Welsh
Wedding Guest: David Strong
Spirits: Eva and Polly Griffith

Music: Rory Allam
Violin: Adrian Harman
Settings: J and G Middleton, David Welsh
Director: Rob Humphreys

2016-09-04 16:31:34