A Tale of Two Cities at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
A Tale of Two Cities
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
8-12 November 2016
Reviewed by Debbie Douglas
The King’s Theatre is a gorgeous theatre at the top of Lothian Road and is fairly easy accessed on foot from Princes Street and there is a good bus service which runs that way. There are lots of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby if you want to make a night of it.
This production of A Tale of Two Cities is adapted by Mike Poulton and directed by James Dacre and is brought on tour in a co-production with Touring Consortium Theatre Company and Royal & Derngate Northampton.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair………” I think we all know this quote in one form or another. Charles Dicken’s possibly most famous novel is set during the French Revolution and is essentially a story of love and the ultimate sacrifice set against a backdrop of horror and sadness. The show transports us from Paris to London and back again with ease.
I had not read this book so did not know what to expect but this is a fantastic show. It is an exciting production in which the music plays a big part. The original music is produced by Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman and it is fantastic, moody and dramatic, perfect for this story. The cast are all amazing but I have to give special mention to Joseph Timms as Sydney Carton the man who has lost is way and seeks redemption in the love of a woman he cannot have but who believes in him more than he does himself. The story builds up to an amazing climax and the atmosphere in the room was electric. The set is simple but very effective and well used and the costumes and lighting were superb.
The show will make you laugh, it will make you cry and you will not regret going to see this. It is a passionate and exciting production.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £17 to £30.50 (booking fees may apply).
A Tale of Two Cities is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 12 November 2016. For more information or to book tickets clcik here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
