WHILE London's West End sees Rupert Everett and Kara Tointon star together in Pygmalion, another of George Bernard Shaw's plays, Candida, is presented at The Greenwich Playhouse by CandyKing Productions.
Transposed to the 1940s, a clergyman’s wife is forced to question her relationship when she develops a friendship with a young poet.
However, reviewing this production can only be done once first establishing the nature of the performance - is it amateur or professional?
Maria Chiorando's direction is highly questionable.
She creates pleasant aesthetic static poses across the stage, which the actors amble aimlessly between with little or no motivation, while poorly delivering the work of (as advertised on the posters) Bernard Shaw.
Spoon feeding the audience, through her directorial decisions, little humour comes through in this so-called comedy.
In particular, Marchbank (Peter Rae) and Candida's gestures reveal a connection between the pair far too early, as they clasp at each other’s knees while sat closely on the sofa or as they hold hands upon their exit, diffusing any humour which can be gained from Marchbank's eventual confession to Morrell.
The casting completely contradicts the text, showcasing a distinctly plain Candida in the form of Helen Bang and an uncharismatic Reverend James Morrell, played by Keith Hill.
Characterisation warrants further criticism with Donal Cox's Burgess stepping up to the firing line.
His over-the-top caricature has a lack of vocal diction and clarity, which in turn leads to witty lines falling flat against a tiresome audience - one lady in particular was asleep twenty minutes into the first act.
The production's only saving grace is Provence Maydew. As Mrs Proserpine Garnett she effortlessly captures the clipped 1940s received pronunciation, allowing her fully developed character to be both engaging and entertaining.
Unable to establish the nature of this production, the above perhaps serves more as notes to the cast and director than a review.
One hopes that in the coming weeks the show, which runs until the June 26, receives some much-needed attention to rectify the colossal problems in CandyKing Production's latest venture.
To book tickets, call 020 8858 9256 or email boxoffice@galleontheatre.co.uk
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