Joint Artistic Director at the Bristol Old Vic, David Farr, brings us his new adaptation of John Milton's classic 'Paradise Lost' this month. Farr and fellow director, Simon Reade, both have a great interest in discovering lost classics and Farr believes many of the themes in this epic poem seem very relevant to today.

To briefly summarise the piece, Milton narrates the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience, explains how and why it happens and places the story within the larger context of Satan's rebellion and Jesus' resurrection. In essence, 'Paradise Lost' presents two moral paths that one can take after disobedience: the downward spiral of increasing sin and degradation as represented by Satan, and the road to redemption, represented by Adam and Eve.

The modern themes which David Farr speaks of have been translated competently to the stage. Farr says: "The play is about revenge and justice, about innocence and the inevitability of loss, about love, sex and marriage." These themes have been highlighted and related ideas explored.

The story opens in hell, where Satan and his followers are recovering from defeat in a war they waged against God. In this production, hell is a subterranean wasteland, a set scattered with used furniture, shabby equipment, isolated figures and murky lighting. This ghostly setting mirrors Milton's vivid description of the site which is filled with flames, yet produces no light, just "darkness visible". Milton's use of imagery of light and darkness to express opposites, such as Heaven and Hell, God and Satan and good and evil, are reflected in Farr's piece.

Experimentation with film, sound effects, music and aerial choreography to match and engage with the heightened verse, add to the impressive visual aspects.

Leading the cast with his profound performance as Satan was Stephen Noonan. Another notable performance came from Dido Miles as Sin/Gabriel.

Farr says the piece demands a "heightened theatricality" and a number of satisfying touches show his success in achieving this. Personally, I believe this aspect could have been developed further. Farr has skilfully demonstrated his ability to bring Milton's poem to the stage, and fills two hours with an original, moving and memorable production.       

The Tick List:

Acting

Costumes

Effects

Set

Overall 

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