Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 06 Apr

Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is a play of two halves: tragedy and comedy, Sicilia and Bohemia, psychological and supernatural. In many ways it stands out from the rest of his work, but like most it seeks to resolve mankind’s vices through the downfall of the protagonist. Unlike most versions where Sicilia and Bohemia are separate entities, Lucy Bailey’s production shows one society divided by rich and poor.

When King of Sicilia Leontes (Jo Stone-Fewings) suspects wife Hermione (Tara Fitzgerald) of having an affair with best friend and King of Bohemia, Polixenes (Adam Levy), he triggers a series of events that lead to his ruin. The first act is heavy, juxtaposed with lighter live music composed by Bellowhead’s Jon Bowden which complements the action. The performances are passionate and Pearce Quigley’s hilarious Autolycus brings the comedy that counterbalances the tragedy. It’s a long play and it’s draining, with the emotional journey of the characters overwhelming the political understatements. It’s a journey deep into jealousy, guilt, regret and redemption, with Morris dancing and slapstick thrown in for good measure.

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