The Post-Haste Histories

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Wed 03 Aug 2016 - Sat 20 Aug 2016

is the epic addition to the improvised Shakespeare cannon from the creators of Bard to the Bone. I was fortunate to be invited to the official Opening night on Friday 5th August.

The stable of likeable actors may vary on the night. For the Opening night, the ensemble included Director Oliver Burton, Ewan Campbell, Atlas Adams, Anna Le Her, and Daniel Cordeaux. Each night may have a set of different actors which might include Marko Mustac, Linette Voller and Anne Wilson. Click Histories Cast Schedule.pdf here to check the schedule.



The opening scene is set in the Mermaid Tavern, London, 1592. Five Elizabethans congregate inside from the brutally cold night, swilling warming ales and exchanging lively banter.



The actors begin their dialogue with a prompt from the stage chalkboard. A word is written that was chosen from a Victorian dictionary by a member of the audience. This is all the actors are given to work with.



Within minutes, a series of side-splitting puns encourage the audience to erupt in frequent episodes of belly laughter. The plot continues to unfold haphazardly, keeping you wondering what will be next.



There are matters of the heart, a history lesson of a conquer to a jest into the politics of today. The comedic quality of each scene ripens as the characters improvise their way vigorously with many hilarious moments. Witty reactionary verse conquers each twist and turn, keeping the audience suitably engaged. This is true theatre made on the spontaneous.



The cast appear to relish the mostly iambic pentameter theatre, executing some perfectly timed asides, rhyming couplets, some hilariously forced and at times parodic phrases. This aside, they excel wonderfully with the testing elements presented, as the play travels its unknown path.





The beauty of this type of Shakespearean acting is its comedic value. In saying that, there is also a compelling contrast during the night with verses that are surprisingly serious and moving.



To summarise the plot, is to immediately grasp its unpredictable nature. Each scene being played based on the improvised response of the actors to each other and the audience's reaction.



It is also important to keep in mind that each night that the play is on, the audience will be witness to an unrehearsed, unseen play making the acting incredibly authentic. This creates an exciting energy for each performance, unlike a standard play where you can predict the storyline.



On the night, the pick of the performances for me was well shared. My favourite acting, to be honest, was whoever was speaking. There are moments of brilliance from all the cast.

Director Oliver Burton is compelling with his grasp of the Shakespearean phrases, his vocal delivery clear and powerful. He is also hilarious with his quick witty improv responses. He conjured moments so quickly and held the audience's attention.



I will admit I was enthralled with Dan Cordeaux, his compelling fluency in Shakespearean showed he has honed the vocal delivery of Shakespeare to a tee. He was also wonderfully funny in his responses to the improvised verses.



This talent is also shared by fellow actor Atlas Adams, who beguiled the audience with his confident delivery in the face of the constant disarray the improv acting provided. His character went through a few hilarious twists and turns.



Ewan Campbell was equally talented with his eloquent delivery of Shakespeare and hilarious improvisation as his dual characters were created. He also captured my emotions with his more serious delivery of Shakespearean phrases.



Anna her Le was impressive with her performance portraying all the lofty ideals and the passions befitting her dual parts as a woman and queen. I especially loved her expertise of the French accent and language.



The beauty of Post Haste Histories is that no one performance will be alike. This play and its actors, welcome the challenge of being in the moment. They relish the opportunities this type of theatre provides. The play clearly derives its power from the interplay with the audience's energy and it was on a high level.

Keep in mind that you will never know the plot in advance; this will engage you to use all your senses, especially your sense of humour. I love seeing live theatre like this. To me, it is a reminder that language has the potential as a mechanism for entertaining anyone, not just the strict Shakespearean enthusiasts, also for those that enjoy the unexpected.

Directed by Oliver Burton, design by Damien Egan, score and sound design by Bryce Halliday. Lighting by Bokke Robertson and Lila Neiswanger. Cast: Atlas Adams, Oliver Burton, Ewan Campbell, Daniel Cordeaux, Anna Le Her, Marko Mustac, Linette Voller, and Anne Wilson

Location: Kings Cross Theatre - Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St Kings Cross.

Playing from 3rd – 20th August
Tues-Sat 8pm; Sun 5pm
Saturday 2pm matinees - 13th and 20th August

Tickets: $35 Adults, $32 Conc. $28 Wednesdays.
Bookings: [LINK=http://posthasteplayers.com/]posthasteplayers.com
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Presented by Post-Haste Players in association with Bakehouse Theatre Company.

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!date 03/08/2016 -- 20/08/2016
%wnsydney