Director: Anthea Robertson
Musical Director:
Choreographer:
 

During the Spanish Inquisition author Miguel Cervantes whiles away the time, until called from the prison cell, by telling tales of his most famous creation, Don Quixote.   The latter, a country squire, decides to take up his lance against man's inhumanity to man, accompanied by his dim, loyal and willing squire, Sancho Panza.  The first target turns out to be a windmill (Quixote's eyesight is not of the best).  Quixote believes that the adventure failed because he had not been properly dubbed a knight, so he needs to find somebody who will knight him.  He sees a castle (an inn actually).   Inside is Aldonza, being attacked by muleteers.  Don Quixote hails her as a sweet lady and dubs her his fair Dulcinea.  From now on she has her champion - him.   Let her give him a token to carry into battle;  she contemptuously throws him a dishcloth.  Meanwhile, a clutch of Quixote's friends arrives - his doctor, niece and padre.

Quixote sallies forth for new adventure.  Aldonza new softens at hearing about Quixote and the gentle being he is.  Although he and Sancho Panza lay out a whole band of muleteers, Aldonza still gets assaulted by them after Quixote has preached forgiveness, has been dubbed a knight by the innkeeper, and is spending time in prayer.   Quixote takes to the road and is robbed of his possessions by a prostitute.   Back at the inn, Aldonza tells him the full sordid story of her life, but Quixote can only see beauty.  Suddenly Quixote is faced by his most feared opponent, the Great Enchanter, whose weapon is a mirror which he holds up to Quixote so he can see the reality behind his illusions.  Beaten, the knight sinks to the floor.  His opponent reveals himself as Quixote's doctor, whose ploy was intended to restore the knight to his senses.  It has, but at what cost.  Quixote lies mortally ill at home, where Aldonza visits him - he has altered her life for the better.  Happy at last, Quixote rises for one final attempt at the Impossible Dream - and dies.

It is time for Cervantes' own final trial.  He is called before the Inquisition, and the governor and prisoners wish him well as he ascends the steps out of the prison cell.
 

Press and Journal: Attic scores a triumph

In many ways the history of Attic Theatre is the history of amateur drama in Aberdeen. Attic shows, renowned for their high standards of performance and production, have been the benchmark for other groups to match.

Last night, the company opened its 100^th production, Man of La Mancha, at HM Theatre and proved they were still a theatrical force to be reckoned with. The Man of La Mancha, originally staged at the Arts Centre to great acclaim, has grown in stature to meet the challenge of HMT and the result is quite splendid. Malcolm McCoig’s magnificent Moorish set and Helen McCoig’s atmospheric costumes perfectly evoke the age of the Inquisition, while Brian Staines simply towers as the dreaming Don Quixote. Director Anthea Robertson has shaped the superb show and is well-served by a cast that lives every second of it. Jill Hay, Ian Pirie, Graeme Wilson, Clif Stroud and a first rate orchestra make for a triumphant production.