RETURN OF THE WILDMAN
(HIGHTIDE 2015, STORM OF STORIES 2016 AND AUTUMN TOUR 2017)
A new play by Thea Smiley
'An extraordinary script and performance. Great direction and an inspirational interpretation of the Wildman story. Exceptional theatre!' — AUDIENCE MEMBER
The Suffolk legend of the Wildman of Orford says he was captured at sea and incarcerated in Orford Castle where he was hung upside down in an attempt to make him speak. Not only would he not oblige but to the horror of the towns people he showed no respect for Christianity when taken to Orford Church. Who was this wildman….devil, merman, sea spirit? After six months he finally escaped and found his way back to the sea and disappeared for ever. Or did he?
Our story tells another tale, one in which his presence is very much still alive.
Our story tells another tale, one in which his presence is very much still alive.
'A really startling piece of theatre. Martin Bonger gave a brilliant performance in the title role, both muscular and vulnerable; the chorus of fishermen and the use of sea shanties and chants was incredibly powerful, and I loved the script and the way it seemed to grow out of the place we were in. Altogether memorable.'
— DAN FRANKLIN, PUBLISHER, RANDOM HOUSE
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
'Smiley has created an incredibly well-weaved story of great quality and skill.'
'Wonderful, evocative, lots of local references, historical and contemporary. Very effective soundscape and use of chorus; great to see a simple story told really well.'
'Excellent story, great local colour, and simple effective staging. Inspired music. Loved it.
It was directed very well and the interplay between the singers and the Wildman worked brilliantly.'
'Martin Bonger provided a faultless performance.'
'Martin Bonger’s remarkable performance managed to combine the wild and the human characteristics so well.'
'Fantastic! Great atmosphere and loved the sound and music.'
The full film of the orford castle performance can be viewed online by clicking here
cast |
creatives |
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Actor: Martin Bonger
The Wonderful Beast Singers musicComposer & Musician: Sylvia Hallett
Voices: the Children of Orford and Aldeburgh Primary Schools |
Writer: Thea Smiley
Director: Alys Kihl Script Editor: Julia Blackburn Lighting: Torben Merriott (Blackwing Lighting) Technician: Lee Whittaker Marketing: Aly Tipping Programme Design: Silverlace Creatives Photography: Mike Kwasniak |
