Pericles
This is certainly one of Shakespeare's lesser known and performed plays, directed by Tamara Harvey this is the first time it has had an outing in 18 years, and then it is only the 6th professional production of the play.
Steeped in mystery as to whether Shakespeare did indeed write it, or whether it was co written with collaborator George Wilkins, many of the few productions that have taken place have been tweaked somewhat, cutting some text from the earlier scenes rather than the later.
The story takes us to Ancient Greece where Pericles has set sail from Tyre to find a wife. On leaving the island of Tarsus he is shipwrecked and rescued by fishermen near Pentapolis. Their King, Simonides, offers the had of his daughter, Thaisa, to the winner of a jousting contest, to which Pericles wins and the pair marry.
Deciding to return to Tyre, Pericles and the now expectant Thaisa set sail, where they sail through a storm and Thaisa dies in childbirth and is buried at sea. Landing at Tarsus, Pericles entrusts the care of his baby daughter, Marina, to Governor Cleon and his wife Dionyza. Meanwhile, Thaisa's coffin is washed ashore at Ephesus where she is revived and enters the Temple of Diana as a nun.
14 years pass, Dionyza becomes jealous of Marina and arranges for her murder, only for her to kidnapped by pirates who sell her to a brothel in Mytilene. Pericles, by chance lands at Mytilene, still grieved by the news of his daughter's death. As Marina is brought to Pericles, will they learn the truth of each other's identity? Will they find Thaisa before their journey comes to an end?
With such a strong all round cast, it's hard to pick out particular performances. However, mentions must go to Christian Patterson as Simonides, a thoroughly entertaining characterisation within the piece. Rachelle Diedericks as Marina, a bold storyteller and strongly compassionate, with Miles Barrow as Boult, a bold confident trouble maker.
Of course, we also have to mention Alfred Enoch as protagonist Pericles. A truly heartfelt, natural performance. He took the audience through every emotion with him.
This is a completely under rated Shakespearean piece. It's relevance of questionable leadership all to familiar to us and it's messages of trust, hope and faith strongly relatable.
This show was reviewed on the 7th August 2024 at The RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon where it runs until the 21st September 2024. Tickets available here: Pericles | Royal Shakespeare Company (rsc.org.uk)
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.