REVIEW: The School For Scandal, University Drama Studio
SUTCo take on Richard Brinsley Sheridan's wordy comedy of manners this week.
An articulate cast of youngsters succeed in bringing the eloquent script to life.
In a somewhat convoluted plot, Lady Sneerwell and Joseph Surface have joined forces to spread rumours that Sir Peter Teazle's new young wife, Lady Teazle is having an affair with Joseph's brother, Charles. This will enable Peter's ward and heiress, Maria to lose interest in Charles and allow caddish Joseph to woo her. Lady Sneerwell then hopes to have Charles for herself.
There are some topsy-turvy value systems in Sheridan's upper class society. It is seen as good thing to be a bit of a rogue. Joseph almost convinces Lady Teazle to have an affair with her to enhance her reputation for example. Malicious gossip at another's expense is seen as witty rather than cruel.
Appearances can be deceptive. Everyone assumes that Charles must be a bad person since he has frittered his money away. Joseph on the other hand is viewed as honest and sensible. Nothing, it is discovered, could
be further from the truth.
After a slow burning build up in the first half, the second half is simply terrific. The characters find themselves in compromising positions and all conflicts are ultimately pleasingly resolved.
There is some great acting from a talented, largely student cast. Mark Chapman and Victoria Jolly fizz together as the quarrelling Teazles and Rob O'Connor oozes confidence and cool as Charles. Showing until Saturday May 9.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 23 C
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Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
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