Scandalously excellent stuff

It’s impossible to visit Tolethorpe Hall near Stamford without writing about its glorious facilities. The lawns, the trees, the fountain playing in the knot garden, the blackbird that regularly sings throughout the matinees, and not least the grey-stone manor house itself. During the summer it becomes an embodiment of the traditional English scene.

But, after all, Tolethorpe is the home of the Stamford Shakespeare Company and the punters who turn up in vast numbers are there to attend theatre performances. Mostly Shakespeare but with another classic play on offer as well. This year the non-Shakespeare play was Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal, and let’s start with the glossy programme. Its cover shows three actors dressed in elaborate 18th century costumes which are like Thomas Rowlandson caricatures come to life! In the centre is Sir Benjamin Backbite played by Sandy Thompson, on the right is his uncle Crabtree played by Andrew Gosling, and left is Carol James as Mrs Candour.

The outrageous clothes, enormous wigs, and fashion accessories of the period may appear grotesque. However in this production they are not just historically accurate but harmoniously designed and pleasing on the eye. Particularly spectacular is Lady Sneerwell played by Nicola Dickie, decked out in a three-cornered hat, cravat, red jacket, and huge black skirt. As Lady Teazle, Kathryn Wanless is dressed in ravishing gowns of pink and white, and Steph Collins as Maria wears mainly blue. While for costume designer Miriam Spring Davies no praise is too high.

But though it looks so good it’s important to stress that this isn’t just a fashion show from the 1770s! There’s plenty of comic business too, much of it involving the moral character of the Surface brothers, Joseph and Charles, portrayed with great gusto by James Rushton and Tom Westall. There is impersonation, with Steve Cunningham as Sir Oliver slipping comfortably into two additional roles.

The pretty set includes a handy screen and a dummy bookcase, just right for concealing characters who find themselves in places where they shouldn’t be. Plus there’s a hilarious episode involving three bewildered audience members who are chosen to be auctioned off as redundant ancestors!

Even better is that this is also an acting show with a slightly more serious side. Not just looking gorgeous, Kathryn Wanless makes an admirable foil to her husband Sir Peter Teazle. In a commanding yet touching performance Kevin McCabe Is totally convincing as the doting older husband of a frivolous young wife. And both their blazing rows and their eventual reconciliation make a brilliant impression.