This page shows various photos and reviews
Photographer:
Michele Martinloi
London
The Love of The Nightingale by Timberlake Wertenbaker - 2002
Jo Briley accepted the challenge of Philomele, one of the most emotionally demanding parts I've ever seen. Philomele soars as a naive, expectant sister and then plummets into the depths of despair as her world unravels. Her opening discussion about sleeping with suitors was lively and joyous enough to waken even the most jaded traveller. Highlights of her performance included her joy and excitement as she sailed to meet her sister and the tenderness she showed for Stephen Palmer's Captain. Her pain at the news of her sister's death was palpable as was the onset of loneliness and solitude. Her rape at the hands of Tereus was very powerful indeed.
My one caveat was that Philomele's extreme emotions seemed to almost always be characterised by screaming. The quiet sobbing during the rape showed that this was not necessary all the time. Sometimes the wise words of Ronan Keating might be observed: "you say it best when you say nothing at all." However the wisdom of one little Irishman should not distract us from what was an excellent performance.
Roots by Arnold Wesker, Diorama Arts Centre, March 2001
Though written nearly 40 years ago Roots by Arnold Wesker has retained its relevance in this modern world. As time and technology seem to accelerate away beyond our control so the remnants of what this world used to be, even within this writers lifetime, are faintly recognisable, perhaps in physical architecture alone. What will be recognisable in another twenty-one years time is a frightening thought.
Whilst trying not to lay praise at the feet of any individuals, mention must be made of Jo Briley and Tracey Pococks partnership as Beatie and Mrs Bryant (Beaties mother). The constant friction and love that was portrayed within the ongoing relationship lasted throughout the entire performance and remained unresolved, as might be expected with Mrs Bryant.
All in all an excellent work from everyone involved, giving rise to a piece that was as engaging as it was entertaining as it was intellectually stimulating.
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MACBETH by William Shakespeare, Caught Jesters Theatre, August 1999
ALL hail Lady Macbeth "the shining star" in Caught Jesters open air production of the Shakespeare tragedy.
Set at Cannon House in Southgate, the cast stuck to tradition and gave a performance as natural as the surroundings, with striking contrasts between nature and the supernatural, light and dark.
The play traces the rise and fall of the tyrant Macbeth as he struggles to take over Scotland.
Jo Briley, who plays Lady Macbeth, provides the driving force behind Macbeth, played by Andrew Morton, in an unsettling power relationship. Briley embraces her challenging role confidently, shifting from evil, sexless and confident to a weak, distraught women.
With an equal appeal to young and old, this production of Macbeth is a wonderful introduction to the Bard.
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