Simon Russell Beale narrates a cheeky and tragic puppet production of Shakespeare's Venus & Adonis at the Barbican, London, directed by Greg Doran. First performed 22 years ago, this enchanting production uses Lyndie Wright's gorgeous miniatures and masterful puppetry to tell the timeless poem of unrequited love.
A Playfully Raunchy Tale of Puppet Passion
The production features a raunchy Venus who weeps and begs as the handsome but petulant Adonis rejects her advances, preferring hunting to love. Venus moves with such ease that the team of five puppeteers is barely visible as they manipulate her arms and legs. The puppetry includes marionettes, shadow, rod, Bunraku, and other styles, building an ethereal world of miniature beauty, along with the exquisite ugliness of an angry snuffly boar.
Wit and Detail in Doran's Direction
Wit is at the forefront of Doran's detailed direction: the playful pat of a horse's rump, a hare resting on an audience member's head, and Nick Lee's live guitar coming to an abrupt halt as Adonis stops Venus's hand from sliding up his leg. Lee's melodies heighten humour and cast light on the tragedy as Venus veers from ecstasy to dancing with death on Robert Jones's golden, fringed set, which hides a secret.
Beale's Narration Holds Each Phrase with Care
Beale reads from a seat by the stage, holding each phrase with care—wise, funny, and sharp. He occasionally mirrors the puppets, holding a lovestruck hand to his heart. When he says, "Good queen, it will not be," Venus looks up from her reluctant lover, capturing the universal experience of being advised to let go of love only to double down and be left with a throbbing heart.
The production runs at the Barbican, London, until 27 June, then at York Theatre Royal from 30 June to 1 July.
