THE INFORMATION on; 'Tales from Ovid'

What Is It?

Tim Supple and Simon Reade's adaptation of Ted Hughes's (below) brilliant, cut-down version of Ovid's Metamorphoses - stories of tortured passion raised to such a pitch that only transformation into another kind of life, (bird, tree, flower) can defuse the situation. The key to the production's success derives to a large extent from the potent simplicity of the set, which complements rather than competes with the poetry.

Who's In it?

A terrific 10-person ensemble cast, resplendent in oriental costumes, includes Andrew Dennis and Susannah Elliott-Knight playing Jupiter and Juno to great comic effect, with Sam Dastor as Tiresias, Sirine Saba as both Myrrha and Salmacis, and Alison Reid as a suitably scary Procne.

What They Say About It

"Getting the weight and whirl of Hughes's Ovid, this production is highly recommended," Paul Taylor, The Independent

"This is an evening of rare dramatic power and verbal beauty in which two dead poets and an outstanding living director combine to magical effect... it is hard to imagine a finer living memorial to Ted Hughes," Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph

"This magical production... is suffused with unworldly invention, insight and a touch of modern camp," Nicholas de Jongh, Evening Standard

Where You Can See It

Tales from Ovid is in rep at the RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (01789 295623)