Directed by Stephen Lee
CAST:
Dan Luxton
Angelique Malcolm
David Meadows
Stephen Lee
James Davies
Ian Bolgia
Kim Walsh (2007)
Olivia Hogan (2008) |
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The Canterbury Tales was presented in 2007: June
28-30 at The Rechabites Hall, Northbridge, Western Australia and
also at the
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bridgetown and the Goose
Restaurant & Weld Theatre in Busselton.
In 2008 it was performed at the Wanneroo City Council in February
then again opened at The Rechabites Hall May 22 – June 7.
It also toured the Southwest – Mandurah, Albany, Esperance,
Hopetoun, Manjimup, Margaret River and Busselton – as well
as two Perth regional venues: Don Russell PAC and the Kwinana Arts
Centre.
SYNOPSIS:
"The Canterbury Tales" is an hilarious fast-paced modern
adaptation of Chaucer's original mediaeval poem. Thirty pilgrims
set off for Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. To
while away the journey they tell each other stories: stories of
love and lust, stupidity and passion, chivalry and greed. We take
several of these sparkling tales and present an evening that soars
from farcical comedy to touching romance.
The Tales are each set in a completely different era and style,
showing the wide-ranging versatility of Chaucer’s stories:
The Pardoner's Tale: (Western) Three young men decide that since
so many people are dying, that Death needs a good talking to. They
set out to find him. An Indian medicine man tells them that Death
is under a nearby tree. Instead they find a huge pile of gold coins...
The Miller's Tale: (Carry-On films) A carpenter's wife tricks
her gullible husband into sitting in a tub hanging from the roof
to await a second Flood, while she dallies in bed with their student
lodger. Sadly, they play a trick on the visiting curate, who comes
back with a red hot poker!
The Reeve’s Tale: (Silent Movie) Two students are cheated
by the local Miller when they go to buy corn. Forced to stay the
night, they get their own back by playing Musical Beds with his
wife and daughter.
The Wife of Bath’s Tale: (Mediaeval) A young of King Arthur’s
court is found guilty of pressing his affection upon a young girl.
As a punishment he is set the task of finding out what women really
desire most. A wizened old lady promises to give him the answer,
but the information comes at a price…
Franklin's Tale: (Sci Fi) A newly married woman fears her husband
has been lost in space. She makes a bargain with a starship crewman
to ensure his safe return. On her husband's arrival the young man
wants payment - a night of hot steamy love!
The Merchant's Tale: (Victorian Melodrama) An old man marries
a young girl, but as his sight fails he grows ever more jealous.
He has no idea that as she climbs a tree to pick fruit, and he
stands guarding the trunk, a hunky serving man is hidden in the
branches...
Comic, scurrilous, bawdy, poignant or tragic: this was an
evening of fun for all ages....and a chance to see one of the greatest
masterpieces of English literature, justly celebrated for more
than a century and a half before Shakespeare was even a glint in
his father's eye!
REVIEWS:
“...for a hearty laugh and glimpse at some of Perth’s
best comic acting, the Canterbury Tales is well worth a night out.”
Lisette Kaleveld, Arts Hub
“Class Act has captured the full fun and brilliance of the
Chaucer writings.” Gordon Johnston, Theatre Australia Website
“The ensemble cast was full of energy. Consistently good
were Olivia Hogan and David Meadows. In the Wife of Bath’s
Tale, Hogan’s Guinevere was a comedic gem, a beautifully
pitched study in pouting capriciousness. She was Celia Johnson
on helium.” Ali Taulbut, The West Australian
“The ensemble cast is exceptionally strong, creating some
wonderful characters who become the lifeblood of this production.
The characters are usually delightfully stereotypical but hide
some lovely surprises.” Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers Magazine
