Last week’s performance of Hedda Gabler at the Marine Theatre was a welcome treat for drama lovers.  One of Ibsen’s best known works, Hedda Gabler explores the role of women,  the expectations of society and the conflict arising from 19th Century women’s awakening of self-awareness and her own free will.   The newly married Hedda is bored while her husband thinks only of his research;  imprisoned by his expectations of her as wife,  Judge Brack’s desire for her to be his mistress, and Lovborg’s needing her for a muse, Hedda manipulates the situation and plays a dangerous game ending in her suicide.

The strong cast of seven Cygnet students included five who will graduate next month.

Vicki-Jo Eva as Hedda was magnificent – icy and enigmatic;  Paul Davies as her  husband was the perfect foil – the lovable professor, living only for his work.   Wesley Magee as Judge Brack was coolly persuasive as advisor to the newlyweds while expecting to become Hedda’s lover, and David Lockwood gave a superb portrayal of Ejlert Lovborg, the weak and tormented writer who thought he needed Hedda.    Lizzy Dive, brilliant as Mrs Elvsted, brought warmth, affection and naivety as she tried to respond to Lovborg’s needs and Hedda’s friendship.   Taran Wiseman as Aunt Juliane and Kate Sharp as the old servant completed the talented ensemble.  

The play was directed by Alistair Ganley.

Cygnet’s next visit to the Marine Theatre will be on 15th June when they will present ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Monika Henshaw