THEATRE: THE HERBAL BED
The Herbal Bed is British playwright Peter Whelan’s rumour-filled story of Susanna Hall, eldest daughter of William Shakespeare. Susanna was married to a doctor apothecary named John Hall, and in 1613 a young man accused her of committing adultery and having gonorrhoea. Susanna brought a defamation suit against the young accuser (not mentioning that the gonorrhoea sufferer was actually her father), but the case threatened her marriage and her status as a respectable woman.
The New Theatre production strips the play back to its basics – a square, black set, seven chairs, a table and a bench, but no garden. Director Sarah Giles employs whispering to emphasise the gossip-mongering, and a soundtrack to telegraph the moments of dramatic tension. But this also puts a lot of pressure on the actors to deliver in what is a pretty tedious script.
Rick Cosnett is definitely the standout performer as John Hall’s failed apprentice Jack Lane: even though he’s the bad guy, he’s the only one you really connect with. David McLaughlin is excellent as the uncompromising Vicar General, but the others felt more like characters than people. Maybe I saw it on an off night, but the New Theatre can (and usually does) do better.
Until 11 April. New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown. $22-$28, 1300 306 776, www.mca-tix.com.au
