On at The RSC: Don Quixote

“The most perceptive character in a play is the fool, because the man who wishes to seem simple cannot possibly be a simpleton.” ― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote

Managing to successfully combine raucous comedy with touching poignancy, Angus Jackson’s version of Miguel de Cervantes’ infamous novel is a true theatrical triumph that delights and uplifts its audience from the get-go.

The production’s set is enticingly innovative and surprisingly impressive for the Swan Theatre, with onstage windmills and horses being cleverly and ingeniously depicted. However, the real magic is created by the simply fantastic to-and-froing between Rufus Hound’s Sancho Panza and David Threlfall’s Don Quixote. Rufus Hound’s RSC debut is a wonderful one as he displays his power to hold the audience within the palm of his hand, captivating us all with his scrupulous and often daring comic timing. Although Hound’s performance is surprisingly sophisticated, it is undoubtedly Threlfall who steals the show with his magnificently complex and sensitive performance of Cervantes’ marvellously eccentric protagonist. All in all, the play is a real gem and definitely not one to miss this season!

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 adaptation of Don Quixote is showing in the Swan Theatre from now until May 21 2016!