TRADITIONAL Restoration comedy met 1970s glam rock in the Arts University College’s latest offering, William Congreve’s The Way of the World, directed by former Forest Forge artistic director Sean Aita.
The plot centres around Mirabell, the John Travolta of the 18th century, and his quest to wed Millamant, played by the vivacious Kate Hollowood, without her being disinherited by her aunt Lady Wishfort – who, of course, hates him.
He comes up with a bizarre plan to disguise his servant Waitwell (Scott Davis) as a prospective lover to Lady Wishfort and then to blackmail her into agreeing to his marriage.
The play’s text is complex and requires some acclimatisation before the modern ear can tune in, but the energy is high throughout, especially from Georgina Lasham’s Foible, Lady Wishfort’s cheeky servant.
Emma Canning, playing a variety of smaller parts in the play, also deserves a mention.
The finishing touches are really what make this show, from the brilliant costumes to the hilarious dancing.
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