Get Out More................................Theatre Review

KING LEAR (RSC, Stratford)

31-05-2007

The official reviews are still on hold, but showing what an artful lot we are, here's the third Stirrer write up of Sir Trevor Nunn's long-awaited production of King Lear, starring Sir Ian McKellen and - at last -Frances Barber. This time, Edward Cameron takes a peek.

Theatre bosses at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford might now finally allow reviews of King Lear, starring Sir Ian McKellen.

Wolverhampton-born Frances Barber has returned to the Courtyard Theatre after recovering from her knee operation to take to the stage as Lear’s eldest daughter Goneril.

Since Barber’s bicycle accident in early April the role has been filled by understudy Melanie Jessop.

The decision to ban the official reviews led to a huge number appearing online, written by people who had, like me, paid for their tickets and had no obligation to the RSC’s PR people.

And those reviews were favourable of Jessop, who has been cruelly denied an opportunity to shine on the more mainstream theatre pages.

It’s now well documented that McKellan shows off Gandalf’s wand, he’s in good nick for a pensioner, and the rest of his performance is exquisite. He plays Lear as elderly, infirm and going a bit senile. This version is somewhat bereft of the cheekiness Lear often displays early on in other directors’ takes.

Former TV presenter and Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy brings his expertise with playing the spoons to make a hilarious, if somewhat deranged Fool with a rather tragic and harrowing end.

But for me it was Barber who stole the show.

A genuine chill cuts the air as she laughs while her poise and grace as she glides onto the stage in her flowing dresses instantly demand attention.

She brings a terrifying wickedness and malevolenceto the role of the favoured daughter who betrays her father, sister and husband for apparently nothing but her own pleasure.

She may be pushing 50 but there’s a sensuality and sex appeal about her that forces you to forget that she’s old enough to have grown up kids.

Frances Barber proved this week just why the RSC wanted us to wait before we spread the word of how superb this show is.

Not that any of that matters though. It's been sold out for months. I’m just glad she returned to reclaim a role for which she is so utterly perfect.

For Laurence Inman's review of The Stirrer click here

And to see The Stirrer's reaction to the original "no reviews" controversy, click here

If you've seen Lear at Stratford, leave a review on the Music and Arts section of our Message Board.