Merlin at the Royal and Derngate, Northampton Review
Merlin
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
26 November 2014 to 4 January 2015
Reviewed by Gillan Kolb
We are regular visitors to the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton and we always allow a little extra time before the show for a drink because we enjoy the atmosphere. This time was even better as we were treated to beautiful music in the downstairs lounge area by the Royal and Derngate Community Choir singing a medley of gospel and Christmas songs.
This performance was in the Royal Theatre which we hadn’t visited before. The Royal and Derngate joined forces a number of years ago, combining the two theatres in to one theatre complex. The Derngate is a modern large theatre whereas the Royal has been kept as a small and very intimate, beautiful and old style theatre. The Royal looks like how theatres used to be with red carpet, red velvet seats, exquisite plasterwork and traditional theatre decor. However it’s clearly well maintained and in no way dated or tatty. It was enjoyable just to sit in it and take in the beautiful surroundings.
The impressive set was complemented with clever choreography and great use of the stage allowing better viewing for audience members up in the circles.
This performance of Merlin, written by Ella Hickson, is billed as a Christmas show for all the family. We were surprised to see far more adults that children in the audience and no children below the age of 5 that we saw. Once the show started it became apparent why this was the case. This isn’t a pantomime, it’s a play that incorporates songs and mysteriously and cleverly showed the darker side to magic.
This is billed as a laugh out loud show and whist there was a good amount of slapstick humour, I personally wouldn’t call this laugh out loud. The main problem I had with this performance is knowing how to describe it. It’s not a comedy, it’s not pantomime or a musical. So what is it? It’s a family show simply telling the story of Merlin, in a light hearted, humorous manner.
Following the lives of three friends, Prince Arthur, Merlin and Gwen, this show certainly had something for everyone, songs and instrumental music performed on stage by the actors, and special effects bringing the magic to life. The first half particularly focused on Merlin’s struggle to accept his magical powers and his friendship with Arthur.
The second half was more enjoyable with lots of special effects showing Merlin’s magic becoming a part of him. Further songs, music and humour made it an enjoyable ending.
Although this was billed as a family production for all ages, I know that my 7 year old daughter would have struggled to sit through this where as my 9 year old son would have loved it and all of the teenagers sitting around us were clearly enjoying it! I think that if you have the right age family, this would be a good evening out and good value.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £9.50 to £24 (plus £2.80 transaction fee).
Merlin is at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton until 4 January 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
