Review: Medieval Miracles
Eastern Angles tour the area this spring with their latest offering, Medieval Miracles. This double bill of one act plays will bring fun and frolics to venues across East Anglia.
The first of this double bill is The Trails of Mary & Joseph. We all know the story of the Nativity but never has it been told quite like this. We learn more about how Mary met Joseph, and what her husband really thought when he found out his wife was with child, but he was not the father…
The Trails of Mary & Joseph is beautifully told by a cast of four very talented actors. The imaginative set is the perfect backdrop to the story, with the narrative having a very Shakespearian feel as the dialogue is delivered in perfect rhyme.
Next, we have Mankind. The tale of a young man trying to do his bit to save the planet by growing his own produce on his well-tended allotment only to be tempted by mischievous devils, who want him to down tools and behave badly. His only hope is Mercy, but can she keep him on the right path and stop him turning his back on his beliefs and move over to the dark side?
Mankind is a complete contrast to The Trails of Mary & Joseph. This play is much more fast paced and set in much more modern times. Again, the clever use of set, much of which was used in the first play, but now looks very different, works perfectly. The same actors now taking on completely different roles show just how talented they are. Mankind is one of those stories that makes you think… It’s a fun, enjoyable piece with great humour, a little audience participation and a great hidden message.
Overall, this is a great double bill of plays, reminiscent of the Easter Passion Plays performed in places such as York from Medieval times. Both very different in style but both an enjoyable watch. Eastern Angles really have created something for everyone with this latest production.
Medieval Miracles tours East Anglia 16th March until 20th May with performances in Ipswich, Hadleigh, Stowmarket, Woodbridge and more. To find out more and book tickets visit www.easternangles.co.uk or phone the Eastern Angles Box Office on 01473 211498
Review Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 Magazine
Picture (from rehearsals) by Mike Kwasniak