Sad, and unusual in my experience, to see a half empty (half full?) house at the Swan in Stratford for Shakespeare’s King John.
Sad because, although the play is rarely performed these days, it turned out to be a magical production, filled with insight and vigour, and played to perfection by an outstanding cast.
The director, Maria Abegg had made a number of strategic decisions, making both the Bastard, by far the best part (and brilliantly played by Pippa Nixon), and the Cardinal, into women. But she kept the stage simple and clear throughout, allowing the drama to speak for itself.
Although King John was regularly staged in the nineteenth century, it has a distinct lack of well-known Shakespearean phrases. “Bell, book and candle”, “cold comfort” and "elbow-room” were the only ones I caught – none of them originating with the Bard.
A terrific night at the theatre. Catch it if you can.
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