YORK Shakespeare Project took on the task of performing every Shakespeare play across 20 years in 2001 and have covered 26 of them already.

This summer's offering, as part of the York International Shakespeare Festival, is the lesser-known Timon Of Athens. The play follows a simple plot: a benevolent fool descends into misanthropy as he is left without support from his peers. Director Ruby Clarke has chosen a smaller cast to perform various roles. The ensemble work well, multi-rolling confidently with a nice range of emotion.

The inclusive manner of YSP has embraced actors from all walks of life, although with a varied skill set across the board some scenes are a little inconsistent.

John Hoyland is enjoyable as Timon, who really relishes the carnal hatred his protagonist embodies in the second act; a huge contrast to the mild-mannered gentleman we saw in Act One. Cat Hall portrays Apemantus, a similarly cynical character, swaggering across the stage and providing laughs with her tireless disgruntlement at the excess lifestyles in the city.

It is Lucy Simpson, however, who completely steals the show. Her appearances as the steward Flavius are compelling in her understated disappointment at Timon’s foolishness. The final scene of Act One, in which the servants are forced to find new employment, led by Simpson, is heartbreaking.

There is also a good sense of humour throughout the piece, poking fun at the sycophantic Athenians; the poet and painter in particular work as a brilliant double act, providing visual gags and dark humour.

Ruby Savage's set design is simple yet effective, cleverly using the tablecloths and coat racks from Act One’s lavish ballroom to make up Timon’s makeshift home in the woods. The piece is also choreographed, with help from movement director Madeline Shann. The use of dancing at Timon’s parties earns a mixed reaction: while it is interesting to see a descent of movement from upright to swaying and grooving more freely, it is up to the company to sell this routine and it can sometimes look awkward.

A little stilted at parts, this is just a matter of the ensemble cast warming into the production, and it’s great to see that performance of all manner of Shakespeare's plays is alive and well in York.

 

York Shakespeare Project, Timon Of Athens, De Grey Rooms Ballroom, York, tonight at 7.30pm; tomorrow, 2.30pm, 7.30pm; Sunday, 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk