Review – ETERNAL LOVE at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from Tuesday, March 25 to Saturday, March 29, 2014.

THE English Touring Theatre teamed up with Shakespeare’s Globe a couple of years ago to tour Anne Boleyn and subsequently won the award for Best Touring Production at the UK Theatre Awards.

Now could they be about to repeat that feat.

Certainly the omens look good, for their latest offering is an absolute gem and what better way would there be to celebrate the ETT’s 21st birthday.

Renowned for bringing top notch productions around the provinces they score heavily in all aspects with this fresh, insightful and fairly humorous take on the fabled story of those 12th century French lovers, Abelard and Heloise.

Howard Brenton, who was the author of Anne Boleyn, is once again the man providing the words and what a delightful job he has done along with director John Dove.

While not on a par with maybe Antony and Cleopatra, or even Napoleon and Josephine, it is nevertheless still one of the world’s major love stories and Brenton relays the intense and physical passion well, even though it does appear to play second fiddle at times to the philosophising of our two lovers – and others.

Abelard’s intellectual spats with his Cistercian opponent, Bernard of Clairvaux, a moral and military crusader, provide a number of many memorable moments.

David Sturzaker does justice to the strong and controversial figure who questioned not only the authority of established names within the Church but also their very teachings, while Sam Crane ensures Bernard is a worthwhile and manipulative challenger.

Jo Herbert offers a Heloise who is headstrong and feisty and a fine match for Abelard in word and deed.

It’s not all sweetness and light though. In those far off days of religious fervour not all romantic liaisons were encouraged and rough justice could be meted out. Cue one castration scene – thankfully hidden from view by the perpetrators, a spot of coarse comedy and even a naughty nun with more than a hint of barrack room language!

However, it’s quality all round with other fine performances from Edward Peel (Fulbert/Bishop) and Rhiannon Oliver (Denise/Nun), as well as Tim Frances’ William of Champaux and Cousin One. There’s class and confidence in bundles and although primarily a tragedy it has the ability to still put a smile on your face.

Director Dove should be commended for not only opting for a conventional look, but providing both flowing robes and action. And credit to the whole company whose delivery is loud and clear. It is, without doubt, an excellent night’s entertainment.