The Mystery of Irma Vep - A Penny Dreadful

It was a full moon on Friday 18^th of March and it rained at the beginning of Act 2.  What better atmospheric conditions for the opening night of Irma Vep at the Pavilion Theatre?

This play really does live up to the definition of 'a penny dreadful'.  The story is so sensational and fantastical that I found myself wanting to be inside Charles Ludlam's head when he wrote it.  A clever take-off of gothic horror novels, this play is written for only two actors to portray seven roles in what can only be described as a masterful display of line learning and quick changes.

Paul Sztelma excels and captivates from start to finish.  His stage presence is enormous and his articulation and projection on a stormy night were flawless.  Blackadder fans will find his Lord Edgar a combination of Blackadder and Captain Flashheart while Richard Littlehales' Nicodemus feels very much the Baldrick.  The smaller, slighter frame of Littlehales makes him perfect for all of the cross-dressing required and he provides a soft counterpoint for the boisterous Sztelma.

This play has more costume changes than I can remember and the speed of some of them was almost unbelievable.  There is obviously a hard-working and well-oiled crew behind the scenes to make these all happen so smoothly.  Annette Snars has facilitated this with clever costume designs and Trevor Chaise's set is colourful and engaging.  Congratulations to Meredith Jacobs for bringing all of these elements together.  The portrait over the fireplace is masterfully incorporated and the costume change into the werewolf is just brilliant.  Throw in a flying wooden leg and honestly, what more could you ask for?

The Mystery of Irma Vep will play at the Pavilion Theatre until April 9th.  Go along for a fun night out that you won't forget for some time afterwards.

Fiona Kelly

Photographer: Chris Lundie