Photography © Keith Pattison

Review

The opening line, “I am Helen, Helen of Egypt” set the tone for this fantastic production of a little revived play, Euripides ‘Helen’.

This is fast-paced and witty - Helen was never at Troy, having been whisked away by the Gods to Egypt. There she sits, awaiting the return of her husband, Menelaus (Paul) and trying to resist the advances of Theoclymenes.

When Menelaus gets cast ashore there is disbelief that this is really his Helen - who have they been fighting and destroyed Troy for if Helen was here in Egypt? When realisation comes that this is truly Helen, they fall into each others arms... well, when Helen finally manages to convince Menelaus she is, indeed, his wife. They then hatch a plot to convince the hapless Theoclymenes that Menelaus is dead and Helen has to mourn him and perform a Greek ritual to lay him to rest before she can marry again.

Interlaced with the story we have Castor and Pollux, Helen’s brothers who are now angels, though mysteriously they begin the play as builders! They provided much amusement throughout and, along with the wandering musicians and singers (who were tuxedoed and barefoot) added to the joyous feeling of the play. There was a message here about the futility of war and needless loss of life, but generally it remained upbeat.

Penny Downie as Helen was excellent - feisty, strong and humourous, she kept the play rolling with her narrative speech and explanations. There were some strong supporting roles too and a good strong chorus.

As Menelaus, Paul was outstanding. From his fear when first encountering Helen and his disbelief that this could actually be his wife stood before him (and her frustration when he wouldn’t immediately fall in to her open arms!), through to his ineffectiveness at being able to state his case to Theoclymenes, he was flawless.

Paul is clearly enjoying being back in theatre and I hope he accepts more roles after this one.

Michelle, 9th August 2009

What the press had to say about Paul:

...an  outstanding performance from Paul McGann, who beautifully captures the  wonder of a battered old cuckold unexpectedly recovering both his love and  his dignity.

Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph

Paul McGann’s Menelaus has an engaging directness.

Henry Hitchings, Evening Standard

....through a beautiful, under-stated performance he (Paul) displays a real kingly quality.

Maxwell Cooter, What’s on Stage

Paul McGann is a fine, strong Menelaus

Susannah Clapp, The Observer

the quiet, soft-spoken dignity of Paul McGann’s Menelaus

The Stage, .Susan Elkin

Paul McGann as Menelaus, an incorrigible chancer who’s managed to come through a disastrous war with his considerable charm still intact.

Stephe Harrop, London Theatre Blog

Paul McGann’s intelligent and human Menelaus.

Ben Dowell, The London Paper

Paul McGann is perfectly good as the mouldering Menelaus

Michael Billington, The Guardian

Paul McGann’s bold, tough Menelaus.

Benedict Nightingale, The Times

Paul McGann, as the lost Spartan king, is more understated in his performance. A rugged man who would undoubtedly communicate more with his sword than his words, he is nonetheless a charismatic match for his ball gown wearing wife.

M.A, Official London Theatre Guide

Photography © Keith Pattison

[Home] [Joe] [Paul] [Theatre] [Film] [Television] [Music] [Audios] [Dr Who] [Withnail and I] [Photographs] [Bristol Silents] [Mark] [Stephen] [Coming Up] [Latest News] [Contact]