From the Cobbles to Centre Stage Coronation Street’s Christine Mackie takes the title role in all female and non-binary production of the Iconic Shakesperean Tragedy LEAR
LEAR Hope Mill Theatre Presented by HER Productions, Unseemly Women/All Female Shakespeare and Girl Gang Manchester.
What a pleasant experience seeing theatre at Hope Mill is. Welcoming staff and a comfortable environment to have a drink and a light bite in before the performance. As a side note, I saved money at the bar using my CANALSTCARD
Much excitement and anticipation from the audience at the second night of this all female production of Shakespeare’s Lear.
A simple but striking stage set, with good use of lighting to add drama.
Cast were great, tackled the playing of male roles very differently, but all to great effect.
There were even some comic moments with good timing and audience directed expressions, which was a foil for the stunning portrayal of the King ( played brilliantly by Christine Mackie ) driven to madness by both real and perceived disloyalty and betrayal.
Apart from the King, standout roles were Goneril played by Gina Fillingham, and Gloucester played by Fiona Scott.
This was an arresting and challenging watch, with its rage and conflict, violent assault and body count, but also had its very poignant and emotional moments.
Great production. Final scene was a beauty, it felt like the audience held its collective breath. Superb. Go see it before it transfers!
Lear runs at the Hope Mill Theatre until June 18th and then transfers to Shakespeare North from 21-24th June
Christine Ince for Ancoats Plus
