Handel’s “Messiah” is his most performed work and is regarded as his greatest composition. I was unfamiliar with the story behind its creation, so I was eager to see “The Coming of Messiah,” presented by Black and White Productions at the Two Sisters Arts Centre.
The play opened strongly, featuring Phil Cory as composer George Handel, alongside Thomas Haigh, who portrayed his companion, copyist, and aspiring composer John Smith. There was a wonderful dynamic between the two, with Smith’s mild manner and good humour contrasting with Handel’s temper and creative demands.
At the beginning of the play, Handel is depicted as being in a creative wilderness. His company has defected to another theatre, and his latest work has been performed only three times with poor attendance. He is in need of new inspiration, something echoed by his neighbour and dear friend, Mrs Pendavers, played by Suzanne Hawkes, who also wrote and directed the play. She is a cherished confidant for both Handel and Smith, always lifting their spirits.
In contrast, Charles Jennens, portrayed with stern intensity by Steve Roche, represents a hard man whose puritanical ways create tension between him and Handel. When Jennens suggests that Handel adapt his libretto based on scriptures and religious texts, the creation of “Messiah” begins.
Conflict arises over the casting of the disgraced actress Susannah Cribbers, played vivaciously by Virginia Betts, who adds a hint of Marie Lloyd to her role. Mrs Pendavers is also reluctant about Handel associating himself with this “disgraced” woman, highlighting an interesting theme in the play regarding the constraints on women’s lives at the time and their ability—or lack thereof—to leave abusive relationships.
The cast also includes Alan Dix as Dr Delaney, who delivers his lines through correspondence with Handel, and Alan Barlow as the amateur tenor Janson.
Overall, while the first act was sharp and engaging, I found the second half to be a bit lengthy. Some of the conversations felt repetitive, and the second act would benefit from a faster pace, especially as it is longer than the first.
One of the highlights of the show was the vocal performance by Emily Pratt and Rhianna Melton, along with a live string quartet. They were outstanding, adding rich texture and context to the piece, singing and playing selections from “Messiah” between scenes.
I certainly learned something new about Handel and the creation of “Messiah,” and I left the performance eager to listen to the masterpiece with fresh ears.
There is one more performance of The Coming of Messiah on Friday, 27th March at the Two Sisters Arts Centre, Trimley, 7.30 pm, and then the play is on tour.
- St Mary’s Church, Bucklesham, 28th March, 3 pm
- St Peter & St Paul Church, Old Felixstowe, 29th March, 3 pm
- St Peter on The Waterfront Ipswich 1st April 7.30 pm
- St Botolph Church, Culpho, 4th April 7.30 pm
- Harvest House, Felixstowe, 5th April, 3 pm
To book tickets visit the TicketSource
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