ESTABLISHED 1935

Bexhill Observer 2008

BATS’ Reputation Grows in the Garden

Many things mark the onset of high-summer to me. Unpredictable weather, England getting thrashed at cricket, the smell of freshly cut grass...

Add to that list, the BATS’ annual showing of Shakespeare in the Manor Gardens.

The group’s crack at the Bard is as much a part of Bexhill’s summer as the carnival or weekend days spent on the beach.

And with that comes its own pressures. The BATS are well aware it is a much-loved institution and they feel responsibility to put on the best show possible.

This year’s Romeo and Juliet managed to live up to the standards audiences have become used to, with a large and appreciative crowd enjoying Wednesday night’s show.

It’s far from my favourite Shakespeare, but given the story’s enduring popularity it would seem I’m in the minority.

The performance was made all the more enjoyable by the warm, clear weather and the majestic setting of the gardens - doing a fine job of standing in for Verona.

Some struggles with the sound system didn’t help the actors, but they overcame the popping and hissing in a calm and professional manner.

Any performance of Romeo and Juliet is only as good as the performances given by the leads. It was here then that the BATS could play their trump cards in the shape of the young and talented Ryan Funnell and Rose Higham. Both were excellent and utterly believable in their portrayals of the doomed lovers.

Stand-out support came from Kelly Farrier as the faithful Benvolio, Chris Whittle enjoying Mercutio and Alex Adam positively seething as Tybalt.

Peter Bradbury added a calming and experienced voice as Friar Lawrence.

Lawry Rhodes and Verena Bradbury made for a strong Capulet family, while John Simmonds and JoJo Turnbull ensured Lord and Lady Montague were well dealt with.

Meryl Beamont was ideally suited to the role of nurse and Ben Phelps, despite his last-minute call to the part, was a convincing Paris.

Plenty of good work came from the rest of the large cast.

Director Dominic Coughlan juggled his limited resources well and must have been delighted with the effort put in by his performers.

DC Bexhill Observer August 1st 2008