Modern take on a Shakespeare classic

THE WINTER’S TALE, Oldham Coliseum, to Saturday

SHAKESPEARE’S ultimately rather sweet drama has always been a bit problematical — as if Shakespeare wrote it knowing the premise was a bit lame, but pressed on regardless because it would please the cheap seats.

Northern Broadsides wholeheartedly endorses the illogicality and serendipity and sets Conrad Nelson’s production in modern dress — in fact at the turn of the millennium, and then in the second half in the present day — not that much is made of this except perhaps to suggest a certain millennium magic is at play.

King Leontes (also Nelson) sees his heavily-pregnant wife Hermione (Hannah Barrie) being rather too familiar with their friend Polixenes (Jack Lord) and decides the baby is not his.

In a rather mad fit of rage he orders both mother and new daughter killed, but Hermione is spirited to safety by a courtier and the child, Perdita, is adopted in secret by a shepherd.

Fast forward 16 years, and Perdita has fallen for the son of the man who still isn’t her father, and circumstances and her father’s remorse take the young lovers back to her father’s court and reconciliation — and the “statue” of Leontes’ wife comes to life and everyone is happy ever after...

The first half is, as always, rather dark and brooding as Leontes makes his rash decision. But after the break, Dawn Allsopp’s white box set enlivened with clouds and blue skies, the action moves to the countryside, where Perdita and her family and friends are celebrating with singing and dancing — including a turn from con man Autolycus (Mike Hugo), who happens to do a reasonable Bob Dylan impression.

There are revelations about parentage and much romantic fun is had by all.

While there might be wider points about rash acts and acting drastically, with much heartache, the result (and chat to Othello about that) — the play hits its targets softly and Nelson’s production maintains its charm throughout the second half, with a sweet performance by Vanessa Schofield as Perdita and a determined one by Hannah Barrie as the wronged Queen.