It’s been exactly a month (July 24th) since the final show in our four night run of ‘Four Lovers’ and people are still raving about it. We’ve gathered some Four Lovers reviews to share with you. Because if you get the opportunity to ever see this show again, you’ll know exactly why you should!
A Varied Performance
“Great evening at [Circus Factory Cork] for the opening night of Four Lovers – lovely performances, full of fun, frolics and fierce leaping/rolling/singing/swinging/tumbling/flying about – go see!” – Fiona Woodhouse
Shakespeare runs off with the Circus
“On midsummer’s night, Four Lovers, a wonderful circus version of the lovers’ part of A Midsummer Night’s Dream had its high-energy premiere. Adapted by Cormac Mohally, who also plays Puck, this is Shakespeare’s magical comedy pared down to bare essentials.
Two Athenian couples spend the night in the forest. Lysander (Henrik Gard) and Demetrius (Callum Donald) are in love with Hermia (Ali Stanger). Hermia loves Lysander and scorns Demetrius. Helena (Lidija Šola) is in love with Demetrius. Oberon (played by 0phelia) attempts to correct the problem with a love potion. But Puck gives the potion to the wrong man and the end result is both men are in love with Helena, who thinks they are pulling her leg. And Hermia is abandoned.
Director Noelle Ní Ríagáin channels this romantic mishmash into a series of circus acts, mainly acrobatic, but often with a clowning edge, and the combination works superbly. We get all the lovers on BMX bicycles; we get a super acrobatic dance duet between Lysander and Hermia. We get high-flying rope and drape work from the two women. But the best bits are the fights, between the two women and the two men; it is wonderfully choreographed knockabout.
Costumes by Valentin Gambardella combine a clownish vibe with a Shakespeare grab bag. His high-jinks comedy successfully runs off with the circus.” – Katy Hayes (Independent.ie)
Photo Credits: Marcin Lewandowski
An Energetic Performance
“Lads I was at this show yesterday and it was an EXCELLENT laugh. Energetic performances. Lovely adaptation. Live music. C’mon like.
Also why didn’t we think of marrying Shakespeare with Circus sooner? They’re literally perfect for each other. Very glad these lads did!! – Sadhbh Moriarty
A Funny and Creative Show
“Incredibly creative and so so funny!! LOVED IT! 👏👏👏” – Jess Franklin ( Anon review Instagram)
Love for Opening Night!
“ Fantastic production, only 3 more night. Get to this if you can!” – Franceslynch4811 ( Instagram)
Photo Credits: Marcin Lewandowski
A Must See
“Blown away by the performance. A must see!” – Between the Briars Flower Studio (Instagram)
A New Way of Understanding Shakespeare
“Shakespeare is so easy to understand when the actors deliver it well. So dynamic, so impressive!” – Moss Russell (Instagram)
A Hilarious Adaptation
“Left the place in stitches, I couldn’t stop laughing. Can’t wait to see more performances in the future” – Brooke ( emo_but_not_really Instagram)
Photo Credits: Marcin Lewandowski
Story told Through Physical Movement
“Brought alive by the humour of Shakespeare with modern physicality and skillful storytelling!” – Rachel (racheybakeycake, Anon Instagram)
Shoutout to the Director
“Came down from Kerry to see the show and I was not disappointed! Noelle you did a fab job! 20/10!” – Tess Kennedy
A special than you to Cork Midsummer Festival and Arts Council Ireland for making this possible!
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