The
Southend Echo
The Canterbury Tales
Dixon Studio, Westcliff
Stranded travellers, a clapped-out car and the works of a 13th century
poet.
It doesn't sound like a promising mix, but in the hands of Brute Farce
Theatre Company it adds up to an entertaining journey.
Chaucer, bane of many a struggling English student, has been updated and
brought to life in this new production.
All the classic elements of the tales – mythology, legend, magic
and faith – have been retained, along with Chaucer's wit and crudity.
In less skilled hands, modern additions could have seemed clumsy, but
the newer touches serve only to enhance the production. The first ten
minutes, where today's stranded tourists meet up and decide to tell tales
to pass the time, was the weakest part of the show.
From then on, the tiny company of five kept tabs on a huge cast of characters
and storylines with energy and seeming ease. Chaucer himself, as a Jerry
Springer-style chat-show host, proved an inspired link between the tales,
including the well-known – and bawdy – Wife of Bath and Miller,
as well as the lesser known Canon Yeoman and Summoner.
The cast even mingle with the audience to add to the TV-style atmosphere,
which was unerving at first, but worked very well. Settings include a
Wild West town, a very funny Grandstand commentary, and a farmyard, complete
with Chickens and a Rolling Stones medley.
It sounds strange – it is strange – but it's well worth seeing.
Jo Moorhouse