No twist in shocking tale (From Swindon Advertiser)

No twist in shocking tale

5:39pm Friday 25th November 2011 in Reviews

What a brave company and director to take on this iconic story of A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess.

If you were around to see the original film then you might have been disappointed by the offering from TS Theatre Productions.

The stage play is after all more aligned with the book of the same name.

The director P Hynds (that’s how it appeared in the programme, as did all the actors names) asked me not to divulge the particular twist in this production because they hope to tour the play.

So I won’t. I do have to say though that the ‘twist’ didn’t work for me or several people sat in my vicinity.

The original film was shocking and disturbing. At the time it caused so much uproar from all quarters that it was withdrawn.

Maybe it is testament to our times but I wasn’t shocked, disturbed or even a little bit worried about anything that happened in this production.

I have seen worse during some programmes on TV and some of those before the watershed.

I had no worries about what other members of the audience might be thinking.

All the leading and support players are good at their craft. That is not in question.

Sound, lighting and the venue suited the play. The music was atmospheric and drew you into the play.

I was slightly disappointed in the modern touch on costume. I spotted one young man in the audience in a bowler hat. If you saw the film you’ll know why.

I know full well that we shouldn’t compare play to film, but with something as iconic as A Clockwork Orange it will always have a part to play in what people expect to see.

Was I disappointed? In the acting, staging and directing, no.

However, as with several people around me, who paid a fairly hefty price for their ticket in this venue, I feel the jury is still out. Would I watch this company again though? Most definitely.

- Ros Hollands