theatre set-up (www.ts-u.co.uk) delivered a magical performance of cymbeline in the exotic surroundings of a botanic garden on the isle of wight last night.
it was the perfect setting for their attempt to bring out what they call the celtic traditions behind this play.
they certainly brought out the humour - the soothsayer was almost a caricature of frankie howerd, for example.

i wasn't convinced by the detailed case they laid down in the programme about all the celtic meanings in the play.  there are plenty of other interpretations of equal value, but it just goes to show how, even now, we're still finding something new in shakespeare's plays.

the acting was exceptional, with one or two exceptions (does that make sense? probably not...) and the play was performed in the way it would have been done in shakespeare's time (the play was first performed around 1609) - with an actress playing about four parts, two of which were men - adding to the usual questions about gender which shakespeare always poses.

but the magic really came out as the light faded and the audience wrapped themselves in blankets to keep warm.
it had the feel of proper story telling and i  loved it.

cymbeline is a weird play by any standards, but theatre set-up performed it so well that it was relatively easy to follow and understand.

they perform all over the country, so check their website if you want to try and catch them.
croydon tonight, then glastonbury abbey on august 6, trevarno, in cornwall on the 7th, for example....