Tristan & Yseult at Sydney Festival 2006

Never more are the realms of performance theatre seen under such a strong marriage of convergence than in a centuries old love tale. One which brings together a sense of undeniably cool noir, snapping jazz and a poetic air of emotion and humour.


With a calm of casual conversation, the night's performance feels like it starts before it actually does. A warm and spotty presence in the aisles leaving a few wondering what kind of production will unfold.

From the lands of Cornwall, the story of Tristan and Yseult. A tale of love, heartache and heartbreak set to a soundtrack made of beating hearts skipping beats.

Strangely set with the scene, the club of the unloved is the entry into the world. A collection of misfit "love spotters" ever hopeful of the revocation of their membership. Made of the actors not central to the scene, they disappear into the backgrounds with a cunning wash of broken silence.

Along with the chorus, they of the unloved, Mistress Whitehands (Katy Carmichael) is the guide along a journey of emotional consequence. Steering the narrative between her gloved hands, she holds both a cold distance and close connection to the lovers. Not to mention a fine tune when behind the mike.

Passion is an undeniably fiery affair between Tristan (Tristan Sturrock) and Yseult (Sally Dexter). Their chemistry is nothing short of volcanic, the terms of which they love one another all the more cruel as the night endures.

Mike Sheperd commands respect and dignity with a bull roar as King Mark. Strong, solid and so made, his tough exterior protects a giving and vulnerable heart. His style is entirely poetic and sways the mind between a dreamer in stars and a ruthless monarch gifted with charm.

Frothing words for most of the night, Frocin (Giles King), the ever loyal hand of King Mark, is a rabid and ingeniously humorous character. Repartee and rapport with the crowd is engaging and makes the most of the unexpected.

Craig Johnson, in the dual roles of Morholt and Brangian, flexes a brilliant dexterity. A conniving conqueror on one end and a purely beautiful handmaiden on the other. Joy and sadness channels wholly from his body and leaves a hole of wealth.

The entire breath of the theatre erupts with the ever bubbling and never out of favour flurry of feet. Explosively energetic, the fight scenes and dance numbers feature a great gel of music and choreography that leaves a crater for its smoothness.

Tristan & Yseult is an exhilaration of exceptional cool and charismatic fun with gut wrenching sorrow that is more than just grief alone.

:: Tristan & Yseult is presented by Sydney Festival, playing at the Seymour Centre until February 19, 2006.

Soon Van

Published January 2006 at The Program - Sydney Festival reviews

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