Review: A Servant to Two Masters

Despite severely disliking the play whilst studying it at A-Level (due to my awfully dire drama teacher) this was one of the funniest plays I’ve seen in a while! The wittiness of the script melded perfectly with the choreography and direction given to the actors. The play respectfully kept to the original commedia dell’arte style with old fashioned costumes, slapstick humour and traditional, stereotypical characters. This was a good move, as it kept this version separate from the notorious One Man Two Guvnors.

Probably due to opening night, there were a few rushed lines, unclear delivery and slightly-too-hushed tones, but overall the cast were spectacular. The staging was well thought out and the minimalistic set was used constructively and sparingly. The costumes were absolutely fabulous, accentuating character’s attributes. For example, Clarice’s extravagant dress reflected the over-the-top aspect of the character and Silvio’s red jacket emphasised his passionate nature.

Favourite parts:

• The cast already being onstage as a tableau when the audience walked in.
• Truffaldino’s letter-opening scene with his attempt as sticking the envelope back down with bread.
• Callum Mcphee’s delivery of the line “Pole cats”.
• Clarice and Silvio’s scenes together.
• The suicide scene – Beatrice and Florindo try to commit suicide after each believing the other is dead. This, I think, was possibly the highlight of the entire play. Well directed and beautifully acted, this sombre subject was transformed into an entertaining spectacle.

Special mentions go to:

• Callum Macphee as a hilariously funny Pantaloon. His comic timing and characterisation were impeccable and he provided a great many of the laughs.
• Chris Holmes as Beatrice was brilliantly naturalistic yet still managed to convey the slapstick humour associated with the commedia style.
• Emily Clarke was perfectly cast as Clarice and portrayed the ditsy character with perfect timing and humour.
• Connor Gamble as Truffaldino lead the play with magnificent energy and interaction with the other characters and the audience alike.

All in all, a truly inspired production. Unfortunately, my viewing of it was tarred by the extremely rude audience members behind me eating crisps very loudly. However, the cast managed to ignore this and continue in a professional manner, so a massive well done to all involved. If you haven’t already, GO and SEE IT!

And here’s the promo vid..