King John Reviews

The set is minimal, which allows the text to fill the room and tell the tale, aided by clarity of direction. The costumes are a master class in suggestion; long military coats, splattered with mud over breastplates imply both medieval and cold war times. Colour and heraldry show state and allegiance but in an understated way so as not to overshadow nor cause confusion over the action. The music and sound similarly add to the atmosphere in a range of poignant or comedic ways without detracting from the text. Lighting is appropriate, getting darker and moodier as dark times loom. Each aspect is designed to bring forth the text and never overshadow it.

Peter Carington, Remote Goat

http://www.remotegoat.co.uk/review_view.php?uid=7986

'Enter the Union Theatre and you enter a smoke-filled crypt-like cavern where four simple wooden tables flanked by two wooden chairs can combine to create palace dining hall, windswept battlement, besieged town and royal throne room. The audience sits in a traditional semi-circle fronting the action. The play's simple staging, far from problematic, actually adds to the clarity of what otherwise is a complex exploration of power politics and xenophobic, anti-French zeal.'


Dr Kevin A. Quarmby co-director of the World Shakespeare Project 


http://www.quarmby.biz/reviews/BigQReviews_King_John.htm

other 4 star reviews:

http://exeuntmagazine.com/reviews/king-john/


http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/5786