The auspicious surroundings of Middle Temple Hall seem like
the perfect backdrop to a theatrical adaptation of Thackeray’s novel Vanity Fair, a story that satirises
social climbing, greed, lust and romance. In a way, the building represents
what the plot’s vainest characters are striving for.
Yet a bright, neon blue line delineates the traverse stage
space down the centre of the hall, indicative of director Hal Chambers’ bold,
minimalist staging. Thackeray’s omniscient narration allowed him to create a
distance from his characters, to judge them himself. Chambers has taken this
notion and instilled each actor with the same power. There is, then, a dual
layer to this production, creating an interesting dynamic with the cast
performing as both storytellers and characters. Frequently this is played up
for comic effect, heavily stylised and wittily cartoonish.
Further, Chambers, alongside movement director Kate Webster,
lighting designer Dan Saggars and a collaborative effort from the cast, have
devised incredibly creative and streamlined methods of delivering the story.
Two sets of step ladders on wheels masquerade as anything from horses to gondolas;
candles and flashlights flicker majestically in the dark; dancelike choreographed
movement and scene changes keep the energy high with constant flow; and small
costumes details over white robes delineate a myriad of characters. Most
notably, where Thackeray merely nods to the Battle of Waterloo as a backdrop to
his narrative, here the cast have devised a whole nightmarish scene using slow
motion, tableau, darkness and simple flashlights. It’s hugely atmospheric and
effective. What’s more, the play is accompanied by original music from composer
Tom Recknell, whose compositions add English romanticism and musical
theatricality to proceedings.
The ensemble cast cope extremely well with constantly
changing characters, the complex web of people always lucid. Their energetic
and amusing performances provide a constant in what is a slightly fragmented
episodic narrative. Despite being overly long – Declan Donnellan’s script would
benefit from some editing – this production of Vanity Fair is never less than a thoroughly entertaining romp
through early 19th century society, delivered with a striking
aesthetic.
4/5
Watch: Vanity Fair was
performed at Middle Temple Hall from 8th – 10th January.
