“A scenic recital of Shakespeares sonnets”.
Somerville College Chapel -Tuesday 11th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th

There may well be a reason why a production of Shakespeare’s sonnets is not an annual event at Stratford or elsewhere for that matter. And that reason may be that sonnets were written as poems, to be uttered seductively with strawberries and champagne to your loved one (despite their rapidly increasing appearance as nervously uttered readings in weddings). So, although an insy bit cynical about the performance power of sonnets, I was looking forward to this ‘scenic recital’. Scenic it was insofar as there were some alluringly lit candles. Also, you would be forgiven for thinking that the piano tuner was doing overtime as you walked into the chapel. The scene was set by the meandering piano strums of Anne Giebel (a.k.a. The Dark Lady) which soon gave way to Count Bassie-like baselines as the recital began.

Two men join The Dark lady, The Young Man (Christian Hunt) and The Speaker (Michael Sommer) for an hour of hypnotic monotone. While The Speaker shows off memory feats worthy of any talent show, the other two mutely posture around him. These slightly affected accessories to The Speaker are the reason why this is a “communication situation”, as stated in the programme, an interactive situation by which the sonnets are hoped to become more understandable and accessible. The concept by Michael Sommer is definitely valuable in trying to bring these beautiful sonnets into the dramatic arena. However, watching The Speaker recite a string of 49 sonnets made me feel more as if I was unfortunate witness to an old man’s monologue in the lounge of a gentleman’s club after a heavy dinner (albeit a faultless monologue).

The programme enigmatically themed the sonnets, but - and I admit to being spoiled by the Hollywood-isation of Shakespeare - I couldn’t understand it! This is not light watching - a student of Shakespeare familiar with the sonnets would, I am sure, find this a delightful way to pass an hour. To the other mere plebeians of this world, I am afraid the many hidden depths of the sonnets will probably remain uncovered. Congratulations to the three for developing this interesting idea and doing a good job of difficult material.

Angharad PF Rudkin 11.06.02