King Lear - Review by Guy Conroy-Smith

**** (4.5 Stars)

Minerva Theatre, Chichester - Friday 8 November, 2013

Much like the eponymous protagonist’s daughter, Cordelia, my love for King Lear cannot be expressed in words.

Frank Langella’s performance at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester as King Lear is riveting. His performance complements the intensity and minimalism that director, Angus Jackson, uses to portray this tale of deception, power and tragedy. Lear, the aging king of Britain, decides to divide his kingdom evenly between his three daughters to allow him to step down. As intentions are soon shared we discover that Lear’s daughters look to betray each other, and undermine their father’s authority, sending him into madness.

Frank Langella’s previous productions rewarded him with Tony Awards, Drama Desk awards, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Oscar nominations. After this performance it is not difficult to believe why Langella has such a collection of commendations. The entire cast breathe new life into the play to make the story seem classical yet so original in its fluidity of characters. Max Bennett, especially, gives new wind to the Son of Gloucester, Edmund, making his treachery and betrayal strangely loveable.

The crafting of the blinding of Gloucester at the end of the first act made everyone veto the tomato juice available at the bar, truly terrifying! The set design is minimal, yet very effective. The use of earthy wooden beams, unforgiving rain and hostile fires create an element of danger on stage. As too is the clever use of colours in costume design to complement the performances. Although, I would have wished Isabella Laughland to have shown more of Cordelia’s innocence in her performance, otherwise very moving.

This triumph of a performance holds much promise to be the best display of acting talent I have seen in one evening. I recommend anyone to go see this as it left me with such joy to see a play that had such passion and talent available to support it.

King Lear is on at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester until 30 November. For more information check out the website: http://www.cft.org.uk/4801/King-Lear/550

Photo: Johan Persson