UPSTART Theatre Company sets its second production, Richard Sheridan’s 18th-century comedy The School For Scandal, among the gossiping Soho dwellers of 1960s high society.
A band of exaggerated stereotypes – in fantastic costume designs by Rachel Alexander Hill – set the scene. It takes a moment to adjust the ear to Sheridan’s original language amongst the modernised setting, but the play soon finds its feet.
An impressive set design from Catherine Dawn creates the backdrop of a 1960s bar, accompanied by the low hum of a well-chosen soundtrack. The authentic props are made especially effective in a clever use of newspapers during the second act.
The play opens with the first of a number of rather complicated crowded scenes, which are helped along by a series of entertaining duologues from Victoria Delaney and Ian Giles, as Lady Teazle and her older husband, Sir Peter.
The pair’s first appearance is what really gets the game going.
The chemistry between the pair is well crafted and entertaining, and while the majority of the characters remain rather one-dimensional, Delaney’s intelligent portrayal of Lady Teazle is emotional and varied.
Giles’s humorous presentation of Sir Peter contrasts to this wonderfully, creating an interesting dynamic between the pair.
Whether its her vibrant dresses or her subtle characterisation, you’ll have your eye on Delaney, even during the larger scenes, as she continues to command the stage.
A lengthy first act leads into a livelier second, where a number of relationships are developed to join that of Sir Peter and Lady Teazle.
Fantastic performances come from Mike Hickman and Jacco Thijssen as Sir Oliver Surface and his nephew, Charles, while a funny portrayal of Mrs Candour comes from Katy Devine, whose gossiping character is very true to life.
The smaller cast scenes allow for more realistic relationships to be formed between the characters, making them more effective than the larger cast scenes, which provide some light relief to the intricate storyline.
Director Clancy McMullan and her company make clear a complicated plot through the hilarious social politics of 1960s high society, with some good gags alongside the underlying moral tone of the play.
The School For Scandal, Upstart Theatre Company, 41 Monkgate, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm, Saturday. Box office: 01904 674675, 07525 019053 or upstart.ticketsource.co.uk
Review by Rosanna O’Donnell
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