Shout out

Well, Shakespeare in the park wasn't everything I'd hope for. Or may be it was, I just couldn't hear most of what was going on to judge. It became evident early on in the performance that there were problems with the sound system; voices momentarily boomed and were silenced, and an audible crackled dogged the first 15 minutes or so. Unfortunately, rather than resolve the problem it seems the sound system was instead turned off. This may not have been a problem in other locations, but Prince Street Gardens is far from a quiet environment. I'd expected traffic noise from Princes Street to an issue, which it was, as were passing trains, but one of the greatest nuisances was rather unexpected - flocks of cawing seagulls wheeled overhead throughout and proved both remarkably irritating and persistent . All in all, despite the fantastic backdrop which includes a magnificent view of the castle, I don't believe that the gardens are really the best place for Shakespeare after all.

Bit of a shame really since it looked like it might otherwise have been an enjoyable piece of theatre. As it was the lack of sound system served to those performers with a classical stage training, as there was a marked difference in ability to project vocals between performers. Ironically the "name" performers (in this case Mina Anwar's nurse, and Sean R. "son of Pierce" Brosnan's Romeo) fared poorly, whereas those without top billing seemed considerably more able. Juliet, in particular, managed to enunciate her way into the audiences affections, and left Romeo almost inaudible by comparison.

It was only the first Edinburgh Shakespeare festival, so some teething trouble is to be expected. I still believe it's a worthwhile endeavour, but the location has to change - I planning on writing the organisers a note to that effect.

Better luck next year.