THE entire cast of Pericles is up to the task of performing this neglected play and turning it into an incredibly entertaining evening.

It is very rarely performed, which is a pity, because in the hands of director Don Cherrett and an exemplary cast this show is one of the most memorable I have seen.

It is a tale of perseverance and redemption. The title character, played to perfection by Brian Woolton, withstands physical and psychological challenges throughout but finally finds peace.

The tone of the play is set by the excellent Courtlye Musick. The action ranges over several locations namely Antioch, Tyre, Tarsus, Pentapolis, Ephesus, Mytilene and the Temple of Diana. You would think the audience would become confused but Chaz Davenport as Gower leads us expertly through the scenes so we never get lost.

There are some outstanding performances from Brian Woolton, Chaz Davenport, Stuart Glossop, Marie Bushell, Sarah Bernades, June Garland, Bethany Harris, Don Gent and many others. For me, Emily Jayne as Marina is a talent to be watched as her performance was one of the highlights of the show.

Mention must also be made of Bev Beck as the evil Dioniza, who was so convincing the audience actually booed her at the final curtain.

With an entertaining jousting scene, three superb fishermen (Stuart Glossop, Sarah Bernardes and Rory Moncaster) and excellent costumes this is a show not to be missed. It runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday until August 16.

Lyn Richell