EQUUS

(1989)

What the press said

MEMORABLE THEATRE

Jackie Cunningham
Cambridge Weekly News December 1989

EQUUS, recently presented at Hills Road VI Form College Theatre by BAWDS, was a memorable experience - amateur theatre at its very best and a credit to the direction of Ray Raikes.  Written by Peter Shaffer, Equus, explores the anguish of a psychiatrist, envious of a teenaged boy's capacity for passionate idolatry, and asks the question: Whose pain is greater, doctor or patient?

Without exception, every member of the cast gave convincing performances as they pieced together the events leading up to a young man's frenzied blinding of five horses.  Using metal hoofs and wired heads and with inspired choreography by Vita Milne, five actors achieved an amazing metamorphosis to equine stature.

Colin Maunder made a wonderful horseman and, as Nugget in the mist-shrouded field of Ha Ha, transported an exhilarated bare back rider to ecstasy.  John Pople gave a powerful performance as the self-doubting Dr Martin Dysart.  He smoothly switched from his tormented narration to skilful interaction with the characters on stage.

In the role of the boy obsessed by his god, Equus, was Darin Mount, a talented and charismatic newcomer to the Cambridge amateur stage.  His sensitive portrayal of Alan Strang was compelling and wrenched my heart strings.

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