The Barbican’s Pit Theatre is the scene for a lovely revival of Venus and Adonis, originally co-produced by the RSC and Little Angel Theatre.
It’s a narrated hour of live puppetry and Shakespeare’s celebrated narrative poem, set within and in front of a traditional marionette stage.
In this revival, Simon Russell Beale takes on the role of narrator – and the production is dedicated to original narrator Michael Pennington, who died in May.
The story tells of Venus, goddess of love, who falls in love with an attractive young man, Adonis. Despite her best efforts, her love is unrequited, and he would rather go and hunt the wild boar.
The puppets, designed by Little Angel founder Lyndie Wright, are richly detailed and very expressive – thanks to the team of puppeteers who handle them (Bartolomeo Bartolini, Edie Edmondson, Lee Maeda, Rachel Leonard and Sarah Wright).
At turns funny, raunchy, and deeply sad, Venus and Adonis comes to life through Beale’s vocal delivery of the text, director Greg Doran’s immaculate direction, and the imagination which brings the puppets to life.
In particular, two horses and their truncated courtship adds amusement, while Adonis’s attempts to escape the attentions of Venus lead to giggles that ripple through the audience.
A surprise reveal in the stage setting offers a switch in tone as the show gallops to its touching ending. Venus rides an airborne carriage made of a seashell and drawn by birds; the wild boar with hot tusks and hastened breath, appears to add feelings of dread.
Music is provided by guitarist Nick Lee, who underscores story moments beautifully. The use of marionettes, rod, shadow and table-top puppets offers interest and variety as a hare rushes from the hounds, Venus searches for her beloved, furtive touches are explored.
It really is a flawless mix of styles and skills. As Venus become loving, jealous or infatuated, so does her attempt to have Adonis as her own falter. Both are in the very traditional-looking ideal of attractiveness – though Venus’s strength can literally carry her beloved.
It’s easy to see why this show has gained widespread acclaim in the years since it was first staged. With two Shakespearian greats in playful mode – and Little Angel offering more mature themes than in their usual output – Venus and Adonis is a delight on every level.
4.5 stars.
Venus and Adonis is on at the Barbican to 26 Jun (sold out) and then continues on tour to York Theatre Royal (30 Jun and 1 Jul).
Photo credit: Lucy Barriball