STAGE REVIEWBUDBRIDGE Manor provided the perfect backdrop for Don Quixote of La Mancha, performed by Arreton Community Theatre, last weekend.
The theatre group, formerly known as Tabard Theatre, has given some brilliant performances in the past and this was no exception.
Alain Smith was fantastic as Don Quixote, the gentleman who dreams of a more chivalrous era and sets about bringing it to fruition.
He was not only word perfect throughout this demanding role but the eloquence of the final scene will stick with me for a long time.
Harry Boyd was comical as Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s long-suffering squire and master of slapstick falls, while Linda O’Connor was a bossy mother hen as Dona Belisa, the housekeeper. Ashley Hetherington was good as the barber, Nicholas, while Michael Pearl played Carrasco, the clever scholar who thinks up a way to send Don Quixote home without hurting his feelings.
Ian Watterson gave a solid performance as the innkeeper, while Tyne Samuel was wholly believable as his assistant, Maritorne.
Mark Moss was a charming baddie as the Archer of St Hermandad, with his row of slaves, who included Robyn Moss, Tim Pearl, Christopher Pickett, Tanya Verey and Sorcha Verey.
Tanya also starred as Master Pedro, owner of the puppet theatre, and again all the younger members of the cast excelled with their puppet scenes.
Mention should be made of Jenni Armour, who did a sterling job as Don Quixote’s noble steed, Rossinante, and of Sancho’s donkey, Grison, as played by Linda O’Connor.
The show was directed by Isabel Favell, with sound by James Pickett and puppets by Lin Watterson.
Reporter: katey@iwcpmail.co.uk