King Lear’s spectral shadow, sharp against a backdrop of flowing cloud images, highlighted the manic strength of this most tragic of Shakespeare’s heroes. Paul Baker’s interpretation of Lear, the King who tests his daughters by throwing over his kingdom and family responsibilities, was at the centre of this fine production. His wild-eyed bawling, and pathetic moments of insight, were impressively conveyed, and kept the audience in awe.
Cordelia, Lear’s youngest and truest daughter, played sensitively by Ruby Reid, stood up to her cruel and bossy sisters – Goneril and Regan, played by Sarah Gray and Katie Bird – but to no avail. Their nasty treacheries and plots were skilfully handled.
Mark Burridge’s perceptive direction emphasised the overpowering jealousies between the characters.  He also took on the role of the oily Edmund. Proclaiming that God should stand up for bastards, and insinuating himself successfully into the marriages of the other two daughters, he almost destroyed his brother. Edmund’s slimy manner was convincing, especially when he tricked his father Gloucester into believing that his other son Edgar was plotting against him.
Roughcast used no scenery. The audience was seated on either side of the floor area, instead of being ranged in front of the usual stage – the effect was of a very uncomfortable but dynamic intimacy. It was impossible to avoid watching Gloucester having his eyes gouged out while tied to the only chair, and impossible to avoid the pathos of Lear’s descent into dementia. Steven Phipps, as Edgar, utilised this floor space imaginatively when tricking the blinded Gloucester into believing that he was actually falling off a cliff, when he was really only falling flat on his face. This stage manoeuvre is difficult to carry off well – but this fall was entirely successful.
The choice of modern dress rather than Shakespearian garb showed the contemporary approach of the company. In dinner jackets and battledress, the actors were able to concentrate on its language and energy in an impressive and moving way.
Producer Rachel Kellett explained that Roughcast (www.roughcast.co.uk) is committed to bringing challenging drama to rural areas of Suffolk. The cast included staff and students from Hartismere High School, a tribute to the community purpose of the group. This excellent production shows that their very real talents should not be missed.

Mary Dunk
November 2008