The Lisbon Traviata
The Lisbon Traviata has a strong, well-directed and strongly performed production that steps a little out of Garrick’s usual comfort zone.
A show that premiered in 1985 at the height of the AIDS crisis, the threat of AIDS is a sinister backdrop to a show that is about much more. The Lisbon Traviata is the story of two opera fanatics who use opera to escape their troubles - whether that is loneliness or a crumbling relationship.
The play begins in Mendy’s visually overpowering red and pink living room, and we meet Mendy, played with flamboyance and emotional depth by Martin Churcher, and good friend, an initially more reserved Stephen, portrayed with an expertly crafted journey by Adam Poole.
Act Two sees a massive set change, as the action moves to Steven and partner Mike’s clean white and very modern apartment (Barry Park’s transformative set design is a superb indicator of character). Although we see Stephen’s partner Mike briefly in the first act - he comes into his own in the second half, with a mature, strong performance from Patrick Downes. Alex Comstock is superb as Mike’s new young lover, making a very strong, brave entrance that is backed by an excellent performance.
Mark Nicholson gives us a thoughtful lighting design, and Merri Ford’s costumes pop against the set.
A very strong production that deserved a larger opening audience - it unfortunately is not for everyone, with some of the audience perhaps finding the story a little dark or strong. Although we lost some audience at interval, this was no reflection on the standard of the production.
Great to see a rarely performed play, directed with intelligence, and performed with style.
Kimberley Shaw
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