The Lady of the Lake, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

THE storytellers who create history and the holders of English magic came together on the lakeside in Keswick. Created by former Theatre by the Lake actor Benjamin Askew, this new play that brings the court of King Arthur and his fading Merlin to Carlisle is a dramatic piece that pulls you into the spin doctors of fables.

The undercurrent of this tale, that nothing exists including facts unless the storyteller says so, is not too far removed from the political agenda of today. New to the Keswick theatre, Richard Keightley is captivating as the arrogant writer of the players’ tales, Taliesin. What he tells is ‘the truth’ and set in history - a role of the spin doctor and editors of this era, we could ask.

Patrick Bridgman plays King Arthur, showing the human side of this broken leader, now a puppet of not just the storyteller but also his army leader, Owain, played with great strength and passion by Ben Ingles. Ben is no newcomer to Theatre by the Lake. However, in this production he creates a new persona not seen here before, and so powerful he dominates the small stage.

Kate Layden as the Lady of the Lake has a chemistry on stage with the old Merlin played by Peter Macqueen; a brilliant pairing for the duo of English magic - or not as the case may be.

Charlotte Mulliner and Emily Tucker as the new generation of leaders of pagan ways, Nimue and Morgan, move like nymphs around the stage, giving a hypnotic performance and adding to the shocking impact of the action.

The slow-motion fight scenes and attacks give depth to this piece which brings a mythical world to life in a new waterside setting.

I’m not a big fan of this period of history. However, I was enchanted by this piece and the production. Don’t be put off by the legends of old, and take a chance on this new play. It’s dramatic, it’s fast-moving and it’s truly magical.

Karen Morley-Chesworth

* The Lady of the Lake runs until November 6.