Six fictional characters, abandoned by their creator, invade a rehearsal in progress and demand to be brought to life by a new author.

What incredible energy and dedication this group of young performers of The Court Theatre Youth Company bring to the stage at The Court.

Six Characters is a very challenging piece for any cast to perform, let alone a young company like this.

The play was written and first performed in 1921, in Rome. It was met with a mixed reception, with members of the audience calling out “Manicomio!” (“Madhouse!”) and “Incommensurabile!” (“Off the scale!”). As the run continued in Rome, the reactions improved, supported by written material provided to the audience by the author, explaining the structure and his thoughts around the writing.

In 2025, things haven’t changed. I feel dizzy at times with the pace, noise and discombobulation from the unstructured story telling – this is how Pirandello wrote it. Some supporting information for the audience, even via a QR code, would be really helpful.

The cast is unfazed and does a tremendous job with the difficult material.

Gem Baillie (the Father) is a stand-out. His performance is assured, clear, focussed and he takes me with him. Sienna Gutsell (the Step-Daughter) also deserves particular mention. Her vocal delivery is centred and dedicated, if not a little overdone at times. It’s a demanding part and she makes it her own. Rose Fleet (the Director) navigates her role as the overseer and driver of the story and performances very well indeed.

Several of the cast not only have to learn their lines and direction but also that of a main character as they are understudies for those roles too. A massive undertaking and all credit to them. The nine strong stage crew do an outstanding job managing a massive number of props and set elements on a very crowded stage. Makeup and costumes are spot on.

The two breaks from the quite manic action are well executed, from a choreographed and direction perspective. Nicely chosen and implemented music and lighting; the dry ice is a nice touch. I didn’t see a missed cue, and bar one or two very small almost imperceptible line stumbles, this opening night goes without a hitch.

I must mention the Christchurch connection to this 1920’s Italian play, and it’s via our very own Ngaio Marsh.

In 1948, Marsh directed Six Characters in Search of an Author with the Canterbury Student Players as a special performance for The Old Vic touring company, which included Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

In 1949, Ngaio Marsh directed the play which went on a 140-performance tour with the Canterbury Student Players to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, Australia. It was seen by 25,000 people.

The display in The Court foyer of original Six Characters‘ memorabilia from the Dame Ngaio Marsh collection is a real bonus, one that some may miss if you don’t keep your eyes peeled. I believe local theatre aficionado and former head of Drama at Christ’s College, David Chambers, was key in organising this – thank you.

Director Jeremy Hinman is to be congratulated. Not an easy feat to successfully present such challenging material with a large, young company. Everyone should be very proud of the result.

Note: As I have mentioned in reviews previously, please can we know more about the performers? They deserve to be promoted by the theatre more than a head and shoulders photo on The Court website. An A4 at the theatre, a QR code – something, anything?!

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