TITUS ANDRONICUS
By William Shakespeare
Martin Williams as Titus Andronicus | Photo by Rebecca Cockcroftt
TUE 15 - 19 OCTOBER 2024, 7.30PM
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Northampton NN1 3NL
In the ashes of Rome, grief becomes fury.
CAST
Titus Andronicus Martin Williams
Lavinia Hari Turner
Lucius Peter Collins
Martius Jake Turner
Quintus James Burgess
Mutius/Young Lucius Amelie Dawson
Aaron Laura Isles
Tamora Di Wyman
Chiron Caitie Pardoe
Demetrius Mairead Kearins
Alarbus Helena Enright-King
Saturninus Rob Kendall
Bassianus Greg Dolman
Aemilius Kevin Pinks
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director Helena Enright-King
Assistant Director James Burgess
Stage Manager Amelie Dawson
Lighting & Sound Phil Welsh
Costumes Clare Brittain, Pam Mann, James Burgess
Special Effects & Props James Burgess
Poster Design James Burgess
Programme Meryl Couper
Website Martin Borley-Cox, Meryl Couper
Booking Manager Elizabeth Allan
Box Office Sue Howes
Hospitality Manager Maggie Holland
Front of House / Refreshments Masque Theatre members
MASQUE THEATRE
Chair Rob Kendall | Secretary Jan Stoppani | Treasurer Craig Macpherson | Productions Coordinator Graham Breeze | Publicity Meryl Couper | Box Office Manager Elizabeth Allen | Hospitality Manager Maggie Holland | Newsletter Robert Vaughan | Website Meryl Couper, Martin Borley-Cox | Social Secretary Clare Brittain
Programme
PDF • 2.3 MB
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PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Rebecca Cockcroft
SEE ALSO
Also by William Shakespeare
REVIEW
Human drama and moral decay
Ste Applegate
Masque Theatre's production of Titus Andronicus, directed by Helena Enright-King, masterfully reimagined Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedy as a gripping, story-driven spectacle.
Performed on a stark yet versatile stage, the play shed much of its infamous gore to instead focus on the human drama and moral decay that underpin the tale.
Helena's vision brought clarity and depth to a work often overshadowed by its own excess, making for a sophisticated and absorbing experience.
One of the production's standout achievements was the stunning practical effects crafted by James Burgess.
Convincing depictions of missing limbs and clever sword box tricks heightened the tension and drew the audience deeper into the narrative. Helena's creative use of lighting during moments of violence seamlessly amplified the emotional stakes without resorting to gratuitous displays. This balance underscored Helena's intent to emphasise story over shock.
Accident
The performance we attended was marked by an unexpected challenge: a cast member's accident resulted in their absence for Act II. Impressively, the cast rallied with such professionalism that the audience remained largely unaware until informed during the interval. This cohesive effort speaks to the strength and adaptability of the ensemble, who carried the show with remarkable skill.
At the heart of the production was Martin Williams's extraordinary portrayal of Titus. His performance captured the character's transformation from cold, menacing ruler to a figure undone by tragedy. With at least one iron fist firmly clenched, Martin's Titus commanded the stage, projecting an aura of authority that veered into chilling ruthlessness. Yet, as his world unraveled, Martin adeptly revealed Titus's vulnerabilities, creating a nuanced and compelling portrait of a man driven to the brink.
Hari Turner as Lavinia | Photo: Rebecca Cockcroft
Haunting
Equally unforgettable was Hari Turner's haunting depiction of Lavinia. Tackling one of Shakespeare's most challenging and harrowing roles, Hari approached the part with remarkable sensitivity and control. Their performance managed to convey the profound trauma and resilience of Lavinia without veering into melodrama. It was a testament to Hari's talent and the production's thoughtful handling of difficult material, making Lavinia's story both powerful and poignant.
The Masque Theatre's Titus Andronicus was a triumph of vision, craft, and performance.
Helena's refined approach, combined with stellar contributions from the cast and crew, transformed Shakespeare's bleakest play into an experience that was both thrilling and deeply moving. For those who believe Titus is merely a bloodbath, this production proved that beneath the carnage lies a story of humanity's darkest depths-and the Masque Theatre brought it to life with brilliance.
Photo: Rebecca Cockcroftt
Masque Theatre's production is directed by Helena Enright-King.
PREVIEW
The bard’s goriest play
Helena Enright-King, director
Join us for Titus Andronicus: Shakespeare's bloodiest play! So grim that some like to pretend Shakespeare DIDN'T write it.
Noble general Titus captures the enemy queen Tamora, ending the war in Rome. But can they bury the hatchet?
As bodies pile up, and each plots (increasingly ridiculous) schemes to get revenge on the other, you'll see it's often the kids who get cooked.
Terrifying pace
Hot off the back of The Winter's Tale, rehearsals for Titus Andronicus are 'go"! I direct Masque Theatre's version of Shakespeare's slasher play, with a new condensed adaptation by James Burgess.
At 50 pages long, Titus Andronicus whistles along at a terrifying pace, with plenty of dark humour in the mix.
Martin Williams plays our titular anti-hero, foiled by Di Wyman as warrior queen Tamora. Laura Isles exudes pure mischief as Aaron, whilst the rest of our talented cast try just to make it to the end without meeting a creative death.
You will see many returning faces, especially from Little Women (from whom all but four of the cast return in new guises) as well as several from The Winter's Tale. We're also glad to welcome a couple of newcomers, who have quickly settled in with the rest of the team.
My focus is on the underlying story of family conflict, including the conditional love Titus offers his children, and Lavinia's journey from victimhood to independence.
Darkly hilarious and surprisingly approachable, this production of the Bard's goriest play is perfect for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
