It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that I’d fall in love with at least one character. Surprisingly though, I found my emotions divided last Saturday afternoon, not in half though in thirds.

Time for a little background brief
Since the young chap turned ten – yes, double figures seemed like the most appropriate time for the introduction – almost two years ago, I’ve been getting my kicks, as have the rest of the family, from Shakespeare.

Not only benefitting from our former and current proximity to Stratford upon Avon, where the performances are stand up and cheer material, but also from a variety of other companies and locations.

So, from the moment I’d discovered that the Globe Theatre on Tour were coming to town, I rushed off, bought the tickets and crossed off the days on my Goats in Trees Calendar, eagerly anticipating the entertainment I indeed experienced last weekend.

I shan’t even attempt to give you the plot, for I know I’ll get it wrong in too many ways, though I can assure you the moment Pistol walked on stage, my heart (the size of a small adult’s fist) began to patter a little faster. His presence; his delivery; his lines; his character; his visible enjoyment of Hostess Quickly; are for me the reasons why Shakespeare works now, then and perhaps always.

Proceeding with my sweet confessions.

So you’ve already identified where a 1/3 of my affection lies. So, let’s turn to No.2:

Captain Fluellen – He’s serious, amusing (how’s that???) and Welsh. In addition, Brendan O’Hea’s performance of the character couldn’t have been improved upon. He was (is) A Star Star.

‘And the final third goes to…’this is when it gets a little trickier. For my adulation goes not to one specific character, instead it’s awarded to a relationship.  It’s nearing the end of the play, the one that sprouts between King Henry V and Princess Katherine. Predominantly the scene where he expresses his feelings (however their proceeding dance also delivered lots of happiness), for both Olivia Ross (what a tremendous theatrical debut) and Jamie Parker, execute their lines and performance deliciously.

The only thing I pined for – a thrust stage.

Though, I guess that missing feature kept the actors at a safe distance.  Providing them with some kind of protection from that doe-eyed woman in the pink dress.