16. Richard of Bordeaux (1974)

The School Play this year was Richard of Bordeaux by Gordon Daviot and was performed in the Hall on 6th, 7th, 8th December 1973.

The following consists of notes taken on the first night. If they possess something of the staccato quality of a school report, I trust that like that dreaded document, what they lack in literary merit they will gain in dramatic immediacy. Those however who despise immediacy and look for the well-turned phrase that bears the mark of immortality should prevail on the editor to dismiss your present reviewer, who will then have the satisfaction of knowing that he has written the report to end all reports - all his reports anyway.

Richard II. An impulsive and emotional character given to displays of bad temper and extravagance; very difficult to control emotion so that it does not become laughable but Adrian Boorman did this very well. At the beginning of the play he seemed to be dominated by his uncles, but this was most appropriate, given his comparative youth and inevitability that he would be under their thumb. Later he dominated the stage and moved with ability from moments of tenderness into a storming rage. He used the stage well, giving a mature performance of a petulant and mercurial king.

Anne of Bohemia. Julia Goff gave a quiet but excellent interpretation of the strength of character of the king's wife. She supported him in his peace policy, but by her mildness of bearing she was an excellent foil to her husband's stormier nature. A very sweet performance.

Duke of Gloucester. A bullying militarist, proud of former military exploits in France, hostile to the king's policy of peace with France. Very well performed by Richard Avery, who brought real power to the part, blending force and craft extremely well.

Duke of Lancaster. At first an antagonist, then a friend of the king. Suavely and urbanely performed by David Asplin. He showed great dignity and had an excellent stage presence.

Duke of York. A complaisant and naive statesman, too ready to believe the protestations of his scheming relatives. Gareth Coombs' wide-eyed innocence captured the spirit admirably.

Michael de la Pole. The trusted elder statesman. Jonathan Goodfellow spoke his lines with assurance and was very successful in portraying the old and unexcitable chancellor. Feet perhaps too mobile.

Arundel. Like Gloucester, a militarist opposed to the peace policy. Brash, insensitive, forthright - a very mature performance by a promising young actor, Richard Jones.

Robert de Vere. The very opposite of Gloucester and Arundel. Sensitive, poetic, perhaps foppish, the king's most trusted friend. Beautifully performed by Philip Dumville. His movements, his facial expression, his change of mood after his defeat at Radcot Bridge all showing this very talented actor's wide dramatic range.

Henry. The military bore who can talk of nothing but his campaigns, in which he takes a childish delight. Irresponsibility excellently and amusingly portrayed by David Mabb. At the end he is brutal and tactless.

Maudelyn. A moving study in loyalty by Christopher Green.

Other parts were well performed by Jonathan Henley, Christopher Mabb, David Sweeney, Nicholas Wolff, Kim Hughes, Susan Higgins, John Williams, David Levy, Vincent Wilkins, Alison Goodfellow, Barry Nash, Malcolm Johnstone, Jeffrey Morris, Helen Boitoult, Erika Hansen, Adrian Stent and Mark Patterson.

The sets, the lighting and the make-up were all effective in building up the atmosphere of the play; there was a particularly fine log fire. The main fault was in the inordinate amount of time used in shifting scenery, though this improved on Friday and Saturday. Personally I could not resist the conclusion that the playwright's inspiration was less strong at the end than it had been at the beginning of the play. There was a predictability about the outcome which owes nothing to one's historical knowledge. The production was of the high standard we now confidently expect from Mr. Tisdall and this reviewer, for one, went home well-contented with the evening's entertainment. 

D. DIXON