King Lear

King Lear (4.0/5)

Bell Shakespeare

Playhouse, QPAC

20th May 2010

(Director: Marion Pottts. King Lear: John Bell, Goneril: Jane Montgomery Griffiths, Regan: Leah Purcell, Cordelia: Susan Prior, Edgar: Josh McConville, Musician Bree van Reyk)

Bell's Lear is sad and human, his madness more impulsive then psychotic, his revelation drawn from the sad wisdom of age rather sudden conversion. A well-balanced cast ensures no hand is over-played, a simple set gives the actors room to work. Clever use of live percussion adds depth to the dark atmosphere with improvisation from stage right. A rewarding production that treads lightly on barbarism and allows room for contemplation of family discord.