The Stage - Review of Courtenay.

Touring two prominent south east theatres and focusing on Kent's heritage creates a sense of identity for local audiences. However, its appeal would undoubtedly attract a wider audience should Bright Start Productions, in association with the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, choose to lengthen their tour. The plot reveals the impulsive Sir William Courtenay, revolutionary and suspected madman. With the energetic strains of Les Miserables, the large cast is headed by Loren Geeting in the title role. It is no surprise Geeting has won awards for his voice as he commands centre stage in both voice and stature. With a Macheath-like charm, Courtenay seduces local protester Sarah Culver (Renée Salewski) though the relationship does not lessen the action. Salewski appears childlike yet her voice reveals a maturity and control demanded of a lead role. Supporting character Katherine Tom (Antonia Bond), Courtenay's forgotten wife, appears fleetingly yet captures the sense of the wronged party. Sarah's sweetheart Nicholas Mears, played by David Wyatt, is well cast as tragically young and impulsive. Although the scenes seemed more like montages, Christopher Neame's script is a good balance of action and romance. George Roman directs and Ethan Lewis Maltby's score is beautifully written. This musical sees some spectacular conflict scenes thanks to Paul Romang's fight arrangement and the East Kent Living History and Re-Enactment Unit, in full uniform and firing as though their lives really did depend upon it.