THE NIGHTINGALE MYSTERY
Based on the stories of Hans Christian Andersen
Written, Designed and Directed by Terje Tveit
Dance Choreography by Federica Zurleni
Lighting Design by Sally Ferguson
Stage Manager Mary Beth Howington
Rosemary Branch Theatre
25 November - 10 December 2008
Cast
James Burton
David Dimitriou
Paul Hampton
Jenni Lea-Jones
Abigail Longstaffe
Pearl Marsland
Simon Mathis
Steven Rodgers
Amy Westgarth
Kerry Wotton
Kerensa York
Reviews
“The fringe is often accused of feeling limited – in scope, ambition and size. The Nightingale Mystery certainly cannot be accused of that. The production, which is as slick as it is visually striking, boasts a large cast, a sprawling plot and countless locations ... Visually, the piece is distinctive – a trademark of director Terje Tveit, and in pace, the piece speeds along. The real shame is, however, that it is very difficult and confusing to follow ... if the plot was more comprehensible, there would be much to marvel here. This company and the writer/director don’t need me to tell them that they’ve got a very promising future ahead of them. The sheen on this production is undeniable – long may the Rosemary Branch bring these new talents to our collective attentions.”
Remotegoat
“Copies of the London Metro newspaper, held upside down by 11 hard-working performers, open The Nightingale Mystery at the Rosemary Branch Theatre. Whilst one must applaud the use of free newsprint in these straightened times, the minimalist setting of two cabin trunks, a lectern and a full length mirror suggest one’s attention should be on the author rather than the designer. Certainly the storyline needs a watchful eye. ... This kind of scatological rag-bag approach has been used by The Simpsons to good effect, but on stage it tends to pall after about an hour. ... The author and director claims that it is based on tales by Hans Christian Andersen, but he has cast his net much wider, to include the Marx Brothers, George Farquhar and The Sun, as well as Blackadder. “Compensation” cry the outraged citizens of Freedonia when the marriage is postponed, but I fear it is Mr Andersen who would win any award from the court of public opinion if this script was published under his name.”
Kentish Times