Opening Tuesday the 28th for a couple of weeks’ worth of shows at the Jack Studio Theatre in Brockley is Mandrake – a classic work by Machiavelli revived for the London stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. Adapted by playwright and novelist Howard Colyer and directed by Scott Le Crass, this significant piece of literature from the Italian Renaissance with a plot filled with lust, adultery, corruption and deceit should still hold its own with a modern audience and offer more than a few good laughs.
Says Colyer of the play:
It’s an excellent play, and highly influential, but it’s been neglected in London in recent years, which is why I wanted to write a new adaptation. The play also helps broaden the popular view of Machiavelli, who was far more famous as a playwright when he died, than as a writer on politics.
Mandrake stars Jean Apps (Sostrata), Piers Hunt (Nicia), Annie Lees-Jones (Siro), John McInnes (Ligurio), Andy McLeod (Timoteo), Ruth E Mortimer (Lucrezia) and Will Parrott (Callimaco). Associate Director is Rachel Illingworth with Alex Mitchell as Assistant Director. Set and costume design is by Kemey Lafond with sound design by Neil McKeown and lighting by Tom Boucher. Jade Gooch is Stage Manager/Operator and Jo Clisby is Assistant Stage Manager.
I’ve got plans to hit the press night on Thursday. Expect a review soon after. But, this show could prove popular. I’d recommend going ahead and checking it out and not waiting around for me to post anything about it.
Mandrake runs from 28 May to 15 June at Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, SE4 2DH. Tickets are £13 (£10 for concessions). Find out more and book ahead at brockleyjack.co.uk.
