In The Eagle Has Two Heads, Jean Cocteau's gripping melodrama that is being performed every evening this week as part of the Hostry Festival at Norwich Cathedral, Tracey Catchpole is the star.
The tragic widow of the assassinated king of some vague Balkan country, she appears in black first, then in red, finally in riding breeches.
Will she now escape the reclusive life she has made for herself? Will she fall in love with romantic Stanislas (Adam Edwards), who plans to kill her?. She questions her feelings, holding the audience's attention as she expresses her passions and puzzlement in great speeches that tell of her dreams. But tragedy strikes again.
In Stash Kirkbride and Peter Barrow's arena-style production that brings the action close to us, the supporting cast adds character while cellist Ivan McCready contributes a musical dimension.
Christopher Smith
The Eagle Has Two Heads is at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry until Saturday, October 28. Tickets £15 (£12 concessions).
For more information about the show and other Hostry Festival events, visit www.hostryfestival.org or call 01603 598676.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here