The Vikings at Helgeland

Me : "Come and see a play with me - it's a rarely performed Ibsen, not seen for over 80 years"
My reluctant friend: "Um... there's probably a reason it hasn't been done for 80 years, but ok"

Written in 1857, The Vikings at Helgeland takes its inspiration from Norse myth and is actually not too far removed from the myth of Sigmund and Brunnehilde. Ornulf arrives with his seven sons to look for his daughter Dagny and foster daughter Hjordis who had previously been kidnapped and married to Sigurd and Gunnar respectively. The women boast and revel in the bravado of their husbands but when a 'noble' lie about an heroic deed is exposed their lives are violently and tragically shattered.

There was a lot to like in this production. Ibsen has given us a cracking good story and it is told by an accomplished ensemble company with just enough furs and long swords quickly establish the frozen, northern reaches of Norway. Although quite definite types, the characters are nicely drawn and portrayed: the noble, respected, grey-bearded Ornulf (John McLear), the brave and rather laconic Sigurd (Harry Anton), the sweet, good hearted Dagny (Emma Kemp), the passionate, strong Hjordis (Roseanne Lynch), the intelligent, honourable Gunnar (Fergus Leatham), the frustrated teenager Thorolf (Roel Fox) and the simple peasant (Sindri Swan). Despite fine, believable performances across the entire company, the evening belonged to Roseanne Lynch, a terrific performance in a gift of a role. Lynch inhabits Hjordis beautifully and was really quite compelling.

I wasn't entirely convinced by the puppetry - used to portray the 4 year old son of Gunnar and Hjordis - I am not an expert in the art but there need to be some connection between the puppeteer and the puppet, if the puppeteer looks at the puppet, so will we. But, having bought into that convention it was a shame that it wasn't continued for the flying arrow, I believe that the actor manipulating the puppet would have been happily accepted manipulating the arrow and this could have been an interesting solution.

I genuinely enjoyed this production, great story telling and great performances in a great space - I urge you to see this show, it deserves many good and full houses. As for my 'reluctant friend'... he enjoyed it as much as I did.

Alison Kirkwood