Six Characters and Humble Boy, Maskers Theatre Company (From Daily Echo)

Six Characters and Humble Boy, Maskers Theatre Company

10:14am Tuesday 25th October 2011 in Curtain Call By Ham Quentin

MASKERS’ contribution to RSC’s Open Stages project begins with Sandra Horn’s prologue (directed by Fran Morley), which highlights the links between Humble Boy and Hamlet, transforming Shakespeare’s characters into flawed theatricals, eminently ready for modern dress roles.

Charlotte Jones’ play maintains the light touch but explores many themes including grief, death, differences between the sexes and generations and (I think!) string theory, Peter Liddiard’s lovely set was constructed with the aid of Brambridge Park Garden Centre.

Ed Denham's music and superb sound design by Jamie McCarthy are also a treat.

Ros Liddiard directs with a sure hand, allowing her whole cast to shine. Kenn Hann and Sarah-Jane Wareham are especially amusing, Jo Welch feisty, Richard Martin quietly touching and Jan Spiers unearths her character’s grief beautifully.

However, Matt Avery makes the difficult part of Felix, a mournful, maddening modern Dane, someone you could really be amused by, even care about.