A new staging of Fellini’s 1954 Oscar-winning film comes to The Quarry Theatre where LEO OWEN caught the show

Sold by her mother to a strongman, the childlike Gelsomina discovers hidden talents and an inner strength while touring Italy to promote Zampano’s chain-busting act. Despite the physical abuse she faces and a more encouraging friendship she forms with a circus clown, Gelsomina can never quite bring herself to part with Zampano.

Designer Katie Sykes brings Fellini’s post-war neo-realism to the stage through hanging chains/ropes, a grey backdrop and pair of telegraph poles. The poles create flexible additional levels plentifully utilised in circus scenes. Mike Beer’s ethereal soundscape complements the physical acting style of Director Sally Cookson’s 13-strong cast. This oddball bunch double as actors and musicians, making imaginative use of props, such as wooden crates, rubber tyres and hessian bags to create a fluid landscape.

In a mismatched but oddly affectionate pairing akin to Beckett’s Estragon and Vladimir In Waiting for Godot, there’s an inexplicable kinship between Fellini’s ragamuffin leads. As Gelsomina, Audrey Brisson’s portrayal of Fellini’s simpleton is bewitching and belting vocals are haunting. Stuart Goodwin plays Zampano with brute force, occasionally alluding to his underlying loneliness and sensitivity. Benji Bower’s original music is sumptuously performed live on stage, supporting the lead’s travel montage.

Despite its neat circular narrative, beginning and closing with a sea setting and group narration akin to Greek choruses, La Strada lacks a rounded plot or explained characters but is still a mesmerising thing of strange beauty. Bittersweet, charming and witty, the tone is understated and final product dreamlike, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression.

La Strada shows in The Quarry Theatre April 25-29: http://www.lastradalive.com/tickets-and-tour/