Tristan & Yseult | Theatr Clwyd

Returning to the stage in Emma Rice Company's vibrant revival of the original production with Kneehigh, which is co-produced by York Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse, Tristan & Yseult is the kind of theatrical experience which transfixes and transports you, capturing the tragic myth in a gloriously theatrical, wildly imaginative and deeply moving exploration of love and loss.

Written by Carl Grose and Anna Maria Murphy, Tristan & Yseult follows the passionate and forbidden love between Tristan, a french knight, an Yseult, an Irish princess. When Tristan is sent to Ireland to bring Yseult back to marry his uncle, King Mark, both Tristan & Yseult consume a love potion which sets them on a turbulent journey of passion, betrayal, jealousy and heartbreak as they struggle against the fates that seem determined to keep them apart.

Whilst ultimately a tragic tale, Emma Rice's bold and inventive direction blends comedy, tragedy, music and movement and physical theatre to create an intoxicating and spellbinding performance. There is a real sense of breaking the boundaries between performers and audiences, with the fourth wall being shattered regularly to draw the audience directly into the world of the story. Rice ensures that the story never becomes weighed down by its darker themes, and whilst there are still moments that are devastatingly heartbreaking, there are some fantastic moments of comedic tonal shifts which are well balanced and land well with the audience.

Movement and physical theatre are amongst the most striking elements of Tristan & Yseult, creating an enigmatic and expressive quality to the show. Etta Murfitt's movement ensures that show doesn't solely rely on dialogue, with the performers using their bodies to make the emotions of the characters feel palpable. Moments of intimacy allow the chemistry, immediacy and desire between the central characters to be exchanged in a way which words cannot convey, whilst larger ensemble sequences create a sense of chaos and playfulness, further enhancing Rice's distinctive style.

John Leader and Nandi Bhebhe as the titular characters are utterly captivating, expressing a perfect balance between the intoxicating excitement of falling in love with the devastation of knowing that their relationship is doomed. They are supported by an extrordinary ensemble, who work tirelessly, shifting between singing, movement, playing instruments and acting. Tom Fox is a standout, drawing attention to the show's darker themes but still managing to bring sharp comedic timing.

Bill Mitchell's stage design, which has been refreshed by Vicki Mortimer, embraces theatricality and imagination with a stripped back staging, allowing for props, music and performances to transform the space. The story unfolds in 'The Club of the Unloved' where the ensemble, referred to as the 'Love Spotters' act as the storytellers, moving the story forward. Malcom Rippeth's lighting design does wonders to establish mood and atmosphere, creating a distinctive contemporary style that is visually impressive. Whilst every production element feels carefully considered, there is an appealing sense of spontaneity running throughout, keeping the audience on their toes.

The use of live music is also cleverly incorporated - a live band becomes an integral part of the storytelling, helping to create atmosphere and heighten emotion in musical interludes that almost feel cinematic. Folk music enhances the ethereal tone of the show, whilst karaoke numbers performed by the 'Love Spotters' are both pleasant to listen to and create some great moments of comedy.

What makes Tristan & Yseult so special is its ability to make you feel everything, its truly difficult to document the journey that the show takes you on. This is theatre at its most imaginative, refusing to fit neatly into one category and throwing several mediums into the mix to create an exhilarating and spellbinding production.

Tristan & Yseult plays at Theatr Clwyd until Saturday 26th September - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Steve Tanner