The South Devon Players present The Scarlet Pimpernel - Cygnet Theatre Exeter Review

Photos by David Sneyd, Robbie Clymo and Cliff Luke found here https://www.southdevonplayers.com/latest-news1/a-look-at-the-scarlet-pimpernel-on-stage

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The French Revolution has began, a reign of terror after the creation of the first republic and Madame La Guillotine is being kept busy beheading aristos much to the delight of those fighters manning the barricades. But lurking in the shadows, hidden by genius guises and armed with a witty, quick thinking brain, is a secretive man, a vigilante of sorts, sneaking in and helping aristocrats escape France before their necks lie on the block, leaving nothing behind him to trace but a small piece of paper marked only with a little flower, the Scarlet Pimpernel. Sir Percy Blakeney, one of England's richest man and seemingly interested in nothing more than fashion and parties, hides a secret behind the finery, for he his the Pimpernel himself, with only a few people aware. His wife Marguerite, is none to wiser. Citizen Chauvelin, chief officer of the Committee of Public Safety is determined to capture the elusive hero, and enlists Marguerite to spy on the wealthy to find him.

Now on tour, The South Devon Players bring this drama of double identity, revolution and heroics to life with impressive performances (including several talented multi-role players) and beautiful costuming for an evening of pure escapism.

Robin Buckfield gives a commanding, and at times highly comedic, performance as the dashing and charming Sir Peter Blakeney, a cheeky glint in his eye and a total air of confidence that simply cannot be argued with. His chemistry with Sophia Andrews' Marguerite, the wife who feels she lives in his fine dressed shadow, is believable and dynamic, depicting the struggles of their relationship. Marie Buckfield's Chauvelin is powerful, a villain that the audience love to hate as you will on the Pimpernel and pray that she will never catch him, for he is always one step ahead.

Margaret Wheately proves to be a scene stealer as Lady Antoinette Dewhurst, the bright English aristocrat, dear friend to the Blakeney's and greeter of the French Aristos as they arrive in Dover. Wheately's stage presence commands attention. I also have to praise Emma Harpham for her duel roles of revolutionary soldier Bibot, proud and determine to guard the gate, man the barricade and storm the prisons, with a deeply embroiled hatred for The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Princess of Wales, glamorous, adored and delighted over tales of the Pimpernel's rescues. Also Oscar Garner as Viscount De Tourney, wealthy and noble French aristocrat and inn keeper Brogard, although two briefly seen characters, both were highly attention grabbing and memorable.

The costume team, consisting of Bethany Ward, Margot Belcher, Carol Robinson, Francis Andrews, Cecile Belcher, Marie Buckfield and Laura Jury, have created the world of The Scarlet Pimpernel in beautiful costumes, from the grandeur and opulence of the aristocrats outfits, in particular of Robin Buckfield's Sir Percy Blakeney, to the flag flying revolutionaries, creating unique looks that perfectly match the characters. The atmosphere setting background noise of barricade action, prison doors and partying was a bit too loud, overshadowing the performers at times.

The plot is, occasionally, a little confusing, and perhaps takes a little while to get going but with the appearance of the fashion and flair Sir Percy kicks off the action that then moves along at an enjoyable pace. The first act is, perhaps, a little on the long side, leaving act 2 feeling a little bit rushed in places, especially in the last few scenes. The small but talented cast of local performers make each character as unique and stand out as the last and draw you into the action.

Overall, The Scarlet Pimpernel presented by the South Devon Players, is an evening of adventure and drama, a couple of hours of enjoyment and escapism as you are brought into the French Revolution in what could be described as a heroes vs villains tale period drama style.

Following on from this performance at the Cygnet Theatre Exeter, the tour travels on to Budleigh Salterton Public Hall, Kingskerwell Village Hall, Stokenham Village Hall, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Torquay and Buckfastleigh Town Hall before a London performance at the Etcetera Theatre.

You can find out more here https://www.southdevonplayers.com/latest-news1/the-scarlet-pimpernel-our-summer-theatre-tour