Don Q.
Don Quijote de la Mancha embarks upon his series of epic adventures while searching for the beautiful young maiden of his dreams, aided and abetted by his loyal sidekick Sancho, in this performance of Cervantes’ classic tale.
Through the course of the play the Don begins to assume the identity of characters from his books – tome upon tome of heraldry and tales of knights-errant – and begins to believe he is an honourable knight, set to duel with the most fearsome giants (windmills), ghosts (holy monks) and other unsavoury creatures from an unearthly realm.
Labyrinth Theatre have managed to produce a classic stage version of one of the greatest stories ever told. From the opening beautiful, guitar lament we are drawn into Cervantes’ world, which has been recreated to great effect by the three players. Clive Ashborn paints an incredible portrait of the Don, eminently likeable as the eccentric Spaniard living in his own fantasy world. His partnership with Christopher Petrus’ Sancho is so tightly performed that it leaves a long lasting impression of the bond between the two men, whilst Caroline Corrie gives solid performances as the baker, the nobleman, his wife and a bustling crowd.
An outstanding and highly enjoyable depiction of the classic saga for lovers of the book or those just out for a great time.
5/5
David Hodges
