London thespians take on a classic

I have always wanted, but have yet to see, Roman Polanski’s ‘79 movie version of Tess. Even though I had never read the story, the images from just the preview that year are seared into my memory. And so it was a pleasure to include Tess of the D’Urbervilles in my Fringe experience this week.

Even more so as I brought my friend, Richard Martin, whose great grandfather lived in Tess’s cottage in Marnhull, Dorset, the place of his birth.

The show is Jane Drew’s adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic tale of love and murder. Drew says of her production, “Set in Victorian England, the story explored the social mores of the time and exposed the double standard that women of that time faced. The story is dark and tragic — the stage will illuminate the starkness of the tale. Rape, death, murder and revenge fill the lives of the three main characters.”

My friend really enjoyed the production which is directed by Rob Coles and features Hannah Drew as Tess. Drew’s transformation from fresh, young “low-born” country girl to world-weary fallen woman within the span of one hour is a marvel to behold. It was as if she aged right before our eyes. Equally good is Nicole Campbell, fresh off fine turns in Sweeney Todd and As You Like It.

Earlier this year I reviewed Brandon Stafford’s confident performance in Into The Woods, citing his delightful “impish charm.” Here, although he looked the part (and was unrecognizable in comparison to his Beal role), I felt he looked uncomfortable in the role of Angel Clare and with the dialogue. He definitely has the talent. Maybe it was just the performance I witnessed or maybe it’s just me, for I felt Cristian Kawa similarly seemed uncomfortable with the rhythm of the dialogue. Both young men were good, but the women definitely appeared to be better suited to their roles.

I enjoyed the show overall and believe the cast and production team deserves special credit for taking this sweeping story on.