THEATRE:SEEING DOUBLE is one thing but seeing treble is what audiences get when they catch an innovative production of Cyrano de Bergerac currently touring the country and playing in some historic and fascinating venues.
The production by UK company Off the Ground is based on a specially commissioned reworking by Liverpool playwright Helen Newall of the classic French tale of aching romance, dashing swordsmanship and one very large nose.
According to Off the Ground artistic director Dan Meigh, the Le True Histoire de Cyrano Bergerac retains the central story familiar to film viewers of both Roxanne, with Steve Martin, and the version with Gérard Depardieu, but with some added twists to the plot.
"Helen has put an unusual spin on the story of the big-nosed, big- hearted romantic - it approaches the story from the tale from the point of three different Cyranos - the man he was originally based on, the character we know and the actor playing the character of the man.
"The love story remains central, with Roxanne played by Natalie Quatermass and Christian the hero played by Bill Pasterfield, but Cyrano the character has some help from the real Cyrano and Constance Benoit Coquelin the first actor to play him on stage and film."
The result is, dare one say it, three Cyranos for the price of one, with Chris Tomlinson as the character being joined on stage by Daniel Cambridge as the real historical figure, and John Hall as the actor Coquelin in a production that really tugs on the heartstrings.
Add in the remaining 15 actors from the travelling troupe, including artistic director Dan Meigh who plays Cardinal Richelieu ("I get to wear the best costume"), and it makes for some great family entertainment amid a set constructed from barrels and fabric. Already successfully staged at Killyleagh Castlein Co Down, as well as at the Irish Cultural Centre in Clondalkin; Kilruddery House in Co Wicklow and Lisnavagh House in Co Carlow, Le True Histoire of Cyrano de Bergerac transfers tonight to Blarney Castle, in Co Cork.
Tonight's performance will take place just below the medieval castle with its world famous stone near where American artist Spencer Tunick recently organised one of his installations involving more than 1,000 peole stripping off for a series of photographs.
The owner of Blarney Castle, Sir Charles Colthurst, said he was delighted to be able to host another production by Off the Ground after previous productions by the company of The Merry Wives of Windsor and Robin Hood at the former McCarthy stronghold.
"They're a very impressive company and everyone enjoyed their versions of Robin Hood and The Merry Wives of Windsor - we're having a spit roast and we're hoping people will bring a bottle of wine and maybe a picnic and enjoy the evening - all we need is a summer."
Off the Ground conclude their Irish tour with a visit to Sherkin Island tomorrow night.
On Monday night the theatre company will transfer to Lismore Castle overlooking the Blackwater, in Co Waterford, where they will stage the play in the historic courtyard.
