Believe it or not, in spite of studying at the University of East Anglia, I didn’t ever make it to a performance at the Drama Studio, even though I love going to the theatre.
However, when I was tweeted by @UEAArcadians with a trailer of their upcoming performance, I was intrigued. Third year drama students would be enacting an adaptation of Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia on three nights in December. Having studied the Renaissance work as a first year literature student, I was curious to see how it would be interpreted for a modern audience.
I was also slightly wary of whether it would hold my attention; with the show starting at 7pm, it wasn’t due to finish until 10.50, so I was scared I might doze off (sadly, my bedtime is 10pm!). However, with tickets costing just £7 (+£1 parking), it did represent excellent value for money – after all, how often can you go out on a Saturday night for less than a tenner?
I needn’t have worried because I was thoroughly entertained. The performances of all of the cast were very strong and believable. Featuring cross dressing, farce, romance and tragedy it was also funnier I remember than the book being while studying it. It really brought the often complex story to life. I highly recommend checking out their listings.
To find out what else is on at the Drama Studio, visit the UEA Box Office.
