Malvern's Young Theatre Group's Greek tragedy was a joy to watch

THERE is a wealth of youth talent on display from the extremely talented Malvern Theatres Young Company in this new version by Frank McGuiness of Sophocle’s classic Greek tragedy Electra.

Under the direction of Nic Lloyd, they boldly rise to the demanding challenges this piece presents.

Set in the round in the studio theatre, the actors have the task of sharing their performance to an audience on all sides.

The only set is a raised circular rostrum which presents them with a herculean task to make this production both inclusive and understandable. It requires patience on behalf of the audience to stay with such a complex piece of storytelling. For the most part they achieve this in spades – though some surreptitious cutting of the text would have made it a little easier.

That is to take nothing away from this talented young company comprising Edward Kirby nicely ubiquitous as the Servant, Rhys Harris-Clarke powerful indeed as Orestes, Jennifer Thompson Chatburn outstanding in the title role of Electra, Mia Stevens charming as Chrysothemis, Scarlett Lily Herron-Ward delightful as Clytemnestra, Daniel Davis adding a hint of mystery as Agesthus and Lexi Henry and Steffi Mountain as the informative Chorus.

Nic Lloyd has done a sterling job in getting the pace just right, allowing the audience thinking time to enjoy and consider the almost faultless diction. He wisely kept his murder and gore off stage allowing the chilling cries of those being dispatched painfully to amply feed our imaginations.

Although there was little in the way of set, the costume design by Bridget Lloyd was a joy in its rich colours and styling – indeed it was a catwalk worthy of Greek Gods.

This was the first time I have seen a production by Malvern Theatres Young Company and I very much look forward to seeing more of their work in the future. They are a great addition to the local theatre scene and stand very well against the visiting professional production companies which grace the Malvern stage. I read they have plans to take a production to Edinburgh Fringe Festival next year – a wonderful idea – enjoy the journey, young guns!