“I was privileged last evening – Saturday 25th February to see the Addhock Theatre Company perform at The Duchess Theatre, Chatsworth Arts Centre, Long Eaton. It was a show that I was looking forward to seeing after bumping into the Directors when they came to view the theatre. The show was only available for one night here in Long Eaton so despite I having not fully recovered from the bug that was going around I arrived to see the performance with crossed fingers that I would not be coughing all the way through. It seems that this virus had an unfortunate take up on tickets so the audience numbers were woefully light.
Nevertheless those who did make it undoubted had the time of their lives. The performance started promptly and opened with a minimalist set. The play is based around the historic reign of King Henry II. Some of you may be familiar with the Oscar winning film of the same title that starred Peter O’Toole and Katherine Hepburn.
The play’s plot is an attempt to recreate what might have happened one fictitious family Christmas at King Henry’s Chateau in France. The attendants include; King Henry II, Alais the sister of the King of France and now Henry’s mistress, Queen Eleanor, Henry’s estranged wife who he had imprisoned for the past 10 years. Henry’s three surviving sons who are all vying for the throne; Richard, Eleanor’s favourite, John, Henry’s favourite, Geoffrey the ignored son. And King Philip of France, who wants Alais to be wed or her dowry back.
The play was frankly one of the best I have ever seen performed. The cast were a joy to watch. Their believable performance drew me in and I felt if I was really there. I laughed, cried and felt my heartstrings plucked and twisted in a way I seldom feel.
With so many talented performers it is hard to pick a favourite. Amy Wiles’, Alias was sweet and naïve and was to be pitied. James Wiles’, Philip seemed wise beyond his years. Beetie Goodhew’s Richard was sullen. Jacob Minard’s, John was incredible selfish. I seriously felt the desire to give him a damn good slap.
Ben Hunt’s Geffrey was superbly Machiavellian. I must congratulate him on what is a difficult role. With living so near to Nottingham I am very familiar with King Richard 1st and King John through the Legend of Robin Hood. Geoffrey is always the son that gets forgotten. After seeing this performance I will never forget him again. The shrewdness, manipulation, the understated menace and above all the supressed anguish of the Ben’s performance will stay with me for many years.
Now to the leading man and lady, both gave stalwart performances and it would be hard to choose between them. The banter and chemistry between the two was remarkable. They were every inch the married couple. It reminded me of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Hinchliffe’s performance was flawless as strong King Henry. His utterance of the line ‘my boys, I have lost my boys’ was heart-breaking. However I think that I shall side with Susan Wiles’ portrayal Eleanor. She was the very personification of the Queen. Her sharp fast paced delivery of barbed quips was infallible.
All in all it was an extremely memorable show. If they made a mistake I didn’t spot it and their audibility was much appreciated being hard of hearing. I have two regrets, one that the show isn’t available on DVD as I would love to have watched it again. Secondly that I didn’t take a hanky as my weeping completely ruined my makeup.”
Addhock Theatre Company 