sam shammas productions - the revenger's tragedy

The Revenger's Tragedy by Cyril Tourneur/Thomas Middleton
Directed by Sam Shammas
Performed at the Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
Wednesday 29th April - Sunday 17th May 1998

"This is one of those shows that delivers exactly what you would expect. It's intelligent, slick and diverting. If there is one exception to its predictability, though, it is that it is exceptionally pacy: a distinct advantage that few productions of Jacobean tragedies can boast. Director Sam Shammas and her admirable company [retain] the bare bones of a play that takes a chilling look at human depravity in a society galloping out of control. Satara Lester gives a multi-faceted, complex portrayal of both Gratiana and the Duchess, switching with extraordinary speed between a virago dripping with sex to a homely matriarch dazzled by promises of courtly life... Julia Knight's epic backdrop provides a suitably sumptuous setting."
Sam Marlowe, What's On, May 1998

"Stylish... This production's dramatic economy marks a watershed in the young director's career, including simple but vivid staging... Joanna Woodbridge...makes a splendid virginal Castiza."
John Thaxter, The Stage, May 14th 1998

"Barry Cooper's Vindice is beautifully spoken and brings genuine emotion to a part which could easily descend into caricature."
Serena Hennessey, Channel 4 Teletext, May 1st 1998