Bristol Old Vic Theatre School's joyful and hilarious adaptation of 'Cantebury Tales' does indeed bring all of Chaucer's humour, wit and bawdiness vividly to life.

From the initial curtain rise to the final fall, be prepared to be amused, entertained and instructed into the many truisms of life, according to Chaucer.  

The technical department really did impress with their exquisite sets. The opening scene showed tabs with an overhead in parchment, contributing to the picture book effort. For each tale, appropriate pieces of scenery and furniture provided a new setting and levels for the actors to exploit. Beds were seen as never before, upended and reminiscent of fairytales. They provided a quilt for Chaucer's fun filled fantasies, offering accommodation for two to over a dozen.

The storyline of this lively musical is the tale of pilgrims voyaging to pay homage to the tomb of Sir Thomas Bechett. To amuse themselves along the way, they tell each other stories. In competitive spirit, the best story entitiles the teller to be bought supper by the other pilgrims on their return.

In this modern version, we are treated to these five tales, "The Miller's Tale", "The Priest's Tale", The Steward's Tale", "The Wife of Bath's Tale" and "The Merchant's Tale". Of these, which are each quite superb in their own right, and are all laden with messages for medieval man and woman, and many today, a special mention must, I feel, go to "The Priest's Tale". The actors movement throughout this tale is quite superb. Maybe the theatre school's staging of "Animal Farm" earlier this year prepared Chanticleer and the Hens to strut their stuff in a way to make any funky chicken proud.

The musical direction was outstanding - if this is what our Bristol Old Vic students are exposed to, they are indeed lucky. Whilst it is unfair to select individuals, Heather Code (The Wife of Bath) struck a wonderful rapport with the audience. David Ricardo-Pearce is surely another voice to be listened for in the future, and Samuel Roukin was outstanding in his characterisation.

Costumes were traditional, rustic and totally in keeping with the set, characters and era. The tiniest problem for me was I was a little unclear as to the relevance of Absalon appearing with an electric guitar. However, this showcase would be a superb introduction to Chaucer for any A-level students (and it is on this year's syllabus), and for those already familiar with his work, a refreshing new insight, something for everyone. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained - a fabulous evening.