Pericles, Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Opera House

On tuesday night, I went to see the new Bell Shakespeare production of Pericles. I've never read it, and hadn't seen it staged before. Most people think it's pretty dreadful. Ben Johnson apparently called it a 'mouldy tale', indeed it has a plot line that devotees of the young and the restless would be familiar with. And if you've read Bloom on the subject, you will know that the great critic was particularly scornful. Not enticing. But this is a great production, good acting, wonderful sets and divine drums. It all makes for a fun night at the theatre. And it's got a happy ending, so if you're put off by the bloody endings of the great tragedies, rest assured. As my 16 year old son said afterwards: "if that's one of his worst plays, no wonder people think Shakespeare is so good"