Press Reviews - Two Gentlemen of Verona Spring Tour 2013

The Dukes, Lancaster                                     7 - 11 May

Everyman, Cheltenham                                  14 - 18 May

Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough            28 May - 1 June

Exeter Northcott Theatre                                 4 - 8 June

PRESS REVIEWS

**** The Independent: 'Hilton discovers in Two Gentlemen of Verona an unblinking portrait of love’s madness.... this production has a different kind of charm. And it’s not all down to the dog.' (Elizabeth Davis) 

The Stage: 'A production set to delight audiences both in Bristol, where Two Gentlemen hasn’t been seen professionally for 62 years, and as far afield as Scarborough and Exeter on the tour.' (Jeremy Brien)

 'After a month in Bristol the production is touring to Lancaster, Cheltenham, Scarborough, Exeter and Winchester. I urge you to go: it’ll be a long time before we see another production of the play as good as this.'  (John Campbell)

*** TheGuardian: 'As Andrew Hilton's revival proves... It has charm and high spirits, as love is tested and found wanting among four would-be lovers.' (Lyn Gardner)  

**** The Arts Desk: 'As in other productions from Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, the casting is pitch-perfect and the acting first class, down to the star performance of a hilariously mournful black dog.' (Mark Kidel)

****Exeunt Magazine: 'The SATTF Two Gentlemen is full of laughs, peppered as it is with bizarre plot-turns and unexpected changes of heart, cross-dressing, a bit with a dog, and plenty of song and dance. By following Richard III with this broad comedy caper, Hilton and company seem capable of anything.' (Geraldine Giddings)

8/10 This is Bristol: 'This splendid Andrew Hilton production headed by excellent performances.' (Gerry Parker)

Blackmore Vale Magazine: 'Don’t miss this Two Gentlemen – you won’t see a better.' (G - PW)

Gloucester Gazette: 'With love, betrayal and comeuppance – and sexual gags, dancing waiters and an actual dog – what’s not to like?' (Lucy Fulford)

  'And it’s moving for the audience, because Hilton and his cast always play the truth of the situation to find the comedy, as in the way Julia tears-up a love-letter for show, then scrabbles on the floor piecing it together, fearful the wind might blow fragments away. A tender, sympathetic kiss becomes a deep embrace comical in its passionate surge.' (Timothy Ramsden)

 : 'Hilton’s direction has once again brought out beautiful verse-speaking from his cast, ensuring that ancient jokes are still funny and creating a fast-paced show... Hilton has another great show on his hands.' (Eleanor Turney)

Bristol Culture:  'At the performance I saw there were tears rolling down faces;... because the Bard’s words have been brought to life by a talented company under the direction of Andrew Hilton.'

REVIEWS ON TOUR

VL - Lancaster : 'This production should be seen - not only because it is a rare opportunity, but because the acting is excellent and the production hits just the right, light note.' (Jane Sunderland)

 'Go and see Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. It is beautifully done and finely acted – but don’t let the dog distract you.' (Michael Hasted)

Gloucestershire Echo: 'Superb, funny, uplifting production of Two Gentlemen - see it now!' (Colin Davidson)

: 'It’s a real pleasure to encounter Bristol’s Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory, venturing North for the first time in 14 years of productions... Even before the performance starts, it’s possible to guess (correctly) what the strength of SATTF is: the director, , has been responsible for 24 of 25 of the company’s productions and the cast, which hardly bristles with famous names, is full of actors with a long SATTF pedigree. In other words, the strength is the ensemble.' (Ron Simpson) 

This Is Cornwall:  'This fine production by Bristol's accomplished, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.' (Anne Broom)

Phonic.FM: 'Andrew Hilton’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona brought out the charm and vitality in this ancient play and made it surprising contemporary in its presentation. Harriet de Winton’s simple staging was delightful.' (Martin Hodge)

****Winchester Today: 'This is the SATTF’s first nationwide tour, and it was a welcome visit to Winchester by a very talented company.'

Southern Daily Echo: 'Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory proves it to be a gem well worthy of revival.' (Ian Kelly)