Theatre Review: Volpone

Swan Theatre, Stratford (01789 295623)

Venetian magnifico Volpone sets up a three-year scam of pretending to be mortally sick so as to fleece predatory flatterers who, desperate to be made his heir, bribe him with booty. Malcolm Storry is a much more virile and rugged Volpone than is usual, and his wonderful dark, stained voice does honour to Jonson's muscular verse, while Guy Henry is a joy as Mosca, the sidekick worm who turns. Linsday Posner's incisive production is bejewelled with horrid touches that put the fangs in this Fox.