The Highwayman
C Cubed
Three Stars
The company behind this production, The Curious Room is well named. Why, you wonder, would anyone base a show on a “classic” but largely forgotten narrative poemby Alfred Noyes first published in 1906?
Curious, indeed- but it hardly matters as this fine adaptation of by Bahar Brunton mixes film extracts and original music to good effect.
Brunton puts the (originally non-speaking) character of the Ostler- baisically a stable boy- centre-stage to explore his critical role in a cautionary tale of love, jealousy and betrayal.
While the acting sometimes errs on the side of naturlism and some of the cast struggle to make themselves heard over the score, it’s very well performed with Kate Sawyer as Bess, the object of both the Highwayman and the Ostler’s desire, being particularly good.
The music by Thomas Whitelaw and Russell John, is evocative and enjoyable, but Brunton’s script would definately benefit from using more of the original poem in the opening scenes, as it would create a rhythmic sense of momentum earlier in the play.
Still, this is an absorbing show that leaves you curious to see what this talented young company will do next.
Rory Ford.
The Curious Room 