Sydenham Community Radio, 12 August 2012
To adapt Shakespeare's play to a one-hour slot is no mean feat. The verse-speaking was deliberate, yet fluid; this is what producer Niki Mylonas managed to
achieve in her wonderfully clear, straightforward production directed by Judy Adams.
vocal contrast between the Capulets. Lady Capulet (Wendy Jardine) seemed almost childlike
in attitude, as compared to her husband (Lucien Morgan), who liked to impose his authority on everyone. Even when Juliet (Niki
Mylonas) had perished, he talked about erecting a golden statue in her honour, in tones that suggested he was more interested
in sustaining his reputation rather than thinking about his daughter.
Juliet came across as a capable soul, one who could run intellectual rings round
the Nurse (Maxine Howard), and only reluctantly accepted her family's wishes. She wanted the freedom to express herself, which
is why she so willingly fell for Romeo (Christopher Lane). Romeo himself seemed something of a childlike person, in love with
the idea of love rather than actually falling in love. Even when he poisoned himself at the end of the production, he delivered
the lines in portentous tones, as if under the impression that he was acting in a melodrama.
While the production was necessarily constrained by a minimal budget (the only sound
effects, apart from some atmospheric music, comprised the clash of swords, the gulp of poison, the shouts of the crowds
in the Verona square), the cast performed their roles enthusiastically, creating an entertaining revival that deserves to
be listened to. This is the first production by the Classical Radio Drama Company of Sydenham Community Radio;. I hope it
is not the last.
