In their final production of 2017, Independent Theatre have continued with the high standard expected from this progressive company. With a penchant for period pieces they have adapted Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel; a story of lost youth, love, religion and wealthy lifestyle.

 

A beautifully lit stage by Bob Weatherly is all that is needed to house the acting talents of this wonderful cast. Projecting scenery onto a back screen allows you to be transported to a different location or quite simply capture a moment in time. A raked green floor is home to benches either side of the performing space.

 

Director Rob Croser has captured the innocence and inner torment of these complex characters well. Charles Ryder played by Will Cox does a fine job as he retells the story of his encounter with the Marchmain family and his first meeting with the spoilt Sebastian Flyte, brought to life by the multi-talented Ben Francis. Francis is able to capture the anguish of his character with sincerity. The relationship between the two characters is raw and abundantly honest; each searching for acceptance and tugging at the heart strings of the attentive audience.

 

Madeleine Herd plays the third wheel with poise; her portrayal of Julia Flyte is divine. Many of the cast take on the challenge of multiple roles and do so with ease. Each demonstrate wonderful versatility.

 

There would be some that argue that this story is out-dated, but this adaptation demonstrates that power, money and religion (Catholicism) offer very little shelter.

 

 

Madeline Herd (Julia), Ben Francis (Sebastian) and Will Cox (Carles) in a scene from Brideshaead Revisited