Review: The Winter’s Tale, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘A wonderful, brilliantly directed production’

Considered by some critics to be one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays’, there is nothing problematic about Tobacco Factory Theatres‘ production of The Winter’s Tale.

With an entire cast sourced from within 25 miles of Bristol, this show marks an important moment for the venue, as their first in-house production of the Bard since the end of ‘Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’ era – which ran for two decades until its closure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The play is a story of love, jealousy, and redemption. When King Leontes accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity, it leads to tragic consequences. With themes of redemption, repentance, and forgiveness, the play moves between tragedy and humour, exploring the possibility of second chances.

With simple yet effective sets, including a log on wheels, and a 360 degree audience, the production transports us back to the 17th century with its stage direction, but with a firmly modern set of rules.

As someone who has never seen or read The Winter’s Tale before, this production makes sure you don’t need to be frantically Googling the plot during the interval.

The story is clear, and director Heidi Vaughan’s influence on the production shows her experience as a storyteller above all.

The actors speak their soliloquies to the audience, bringing you into the play, and the cast get to show their impressive range by playing both tragic and comic characters.

The entire ensemble is strong and works beautifully together, especially since they were only announced in January, but certain actors stood out.

I saw Corrina Buchan in the Bristol Old Vic’s modern reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid at Christmas, where her comic ability stood out; the same is true here, as she ably takes on the role of the Clown.

Felix Hayes plays King Leontes as a character consumed by a combination of his own infuriating self-pity and jealousy, but it’s easy to warm to him at the end after he is, arguably, redeemed. Constantly pulling at his shirt and nervously fidgeting, his portrayal of a man on the edge is both disturbing and authentic.

Rose Wardlaw as the formidable Paulina is simply incredible. A close friend of the accused Queen Hermione, Wardlaw plays her with an amazing fire, pushing the men around the stage and chastising their weakness. Her intense delivery and ability to understand subtlety is profound, and among many great things about this adaptaion, Wardlaw’s portrayal of Paulina was the stand out for me.

Stu Mcloughin also deserves a special mention for his portrayal of the thief Autolycus, a selfish, slippery and comic character who steals from the Clown – and Mcloughlin should be applauded for his musical ability, which adds another dimension to this wonderful production.

The Winter’s Tale is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on February 25-March 29, with previews running February 20-22. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.

All photos: Charlie Swinbourne

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