King Lear at The Lowry Manchester Review
King Lear
The Lowry, Manchester
5-9 May 2015
Reviewed by Julie Leousis
King Lear, a Shakespeare tragedy dark in its tale yet enticed a full theatre of onlookers to watch it unfold.
Northern Broadsides theatre company have brought this tragic royal to life once more on their outstanding performance of King Lear. Barrie Rutter encompasses the role of Lear throughout his performance a truly brilliant actor creating the shear despair and madness of a man let down and disheartened by his daughters. King Lear wanting of a quiet retirement hands his power proportionally to his older daughters craving the vanity of their proclaimed love whilst banishing his younger daughter for her honest simple true love for him. Nicola Sanderson (Regan) and Helen Sheals (Goneril) clear betrayal of King Lear crested the mad man and civil war with their greed and wanting. Cordelia played by Catherine Kinsella, though only in the play for a short time created a loving aura for her father and the royal court, thus creating empathy from the audience.
There were outstanding performances from John Bradwell as Gloucester and Fine Time Fontayne as the fool. The creation of humour within such a tragic tail was effortless for the performers. They had true ability to hold the audience in the palm of their hands and create any emotion they wished. Throughout the play we laughed, felt sadness and terror and true empathy for those wronged.
The fight scene was impeccable the lighting and choreography made for a truly magical moment, Philip d’Orleans a true genius of directing this.
King Lear, the stormy night and the stormy end of his life with tragic consequences for all those involved is a true masterpiece, Jonathan Miller has directed a shear delightful production that is a must see by all.
100% recommended!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19 to £24 (includes £2 booking fee).
King Lear is at The Lowry in Manchester until 9 May 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
