THE RAPE OF THE BELT
Marguerite MacLellan's astute direction of 'The Rape of The Belt' brought a wealth of Greek Tragedy and Comedy to the Pateley Bridge stage. The age old concept of "All's fair in love and war" was reflected in this tale of brave Heracles and his friend in arms the forgetful Theseus confronting the allegedly fierce female warriors The Amazons. Their task was to take a prized ceremonial belt. Imagine their confusion when faced by two peace- loving sister Queens Antiope and Hippolyte who not only refused to give up the belt but also the intrepid heroes' invitation to go to war.
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The sparks flew and the misunderstandings grew as Heracles, a hero of some repute, powerfully and sensitively played by the ever versatile Peter Buller came under the spell of the charming disarming Queen Antiope. Carol Bailey portrayed her beautifully and with great poise bringing out all the deviousness of a very feminine and coquettish Queen. |
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A great find was a newcomer to Pateley Stage, Linsay Poole, who played Queen Hippolyte. The two sister Queens played their roles with an easy grace which left the audience in no doubt of their bond for each other and their bemusement at the behaviour of the two male intruders. Linsay, controlled by the feisty Goddess Hera in a power struggle with her husband the God Zeus, confidently transformed the sleepy,lazy Queen Hippolyte into a Draconian overbearing character.
And what gifted Gods were these!
Cynical and controlling, Linda and Jerry Harvey with their usual high octane, stage chemistry bandied an electric current of sarcasm across the stage from their ivory towers as they fought for control over the hapless mortals. |
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Another great find was Quentin Sands who fortunately, to ensure the play's survival, stepped in at almost the last moment to play the famed forgetful Theseus. He captured this character so well with an easy nonchalance and this appearance will I am sure be the first of many. Debbie Forsythe was absolutely splendid in her role as Hippobomene the strong Amazon blacksmith and great support came from Joyce Liggins as Thalestris, Minister of Maternity who saw to the health of the babies (girls only). They came from the union between the Amazon women and the men kept, for breeding purposes only, in sheds on The Farm. (Best not to ask what happened to the unwanted boy babies!) |
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Further valuable support came from the two attractive young servant girls confidently played by no strangers to the Pateley stage, Zoe and Katie Buller. |
A splendid set, excellent costumes from Wardrobe Mistress Christine Ward, and great lighting and sound (which included a very realistic scene of thunder and lightning) completed this highly entertaining play which lived up to the very high standards we have come to expect from Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society.
Jo Jefferson
[This review appeared in the Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald]