 |  | Reviewed by John Fenner, local actor and theatre reviewer
The excellent Royal Shakespeare Theatre have followed-up their wonderful production of Merry Wives with a triumphant prouduction of Coriolanus.
Shakespeare's last tragedy, though arguably not his finest, is a moral tale of the fickleness of mankind and, in particular, of politicians.
 With both plays going on tour in 2003, the country is in for a treat.
 | | Reviewer, John Fenner
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In this latter respect it is as relevant today as when it was written. He was, no doubt, using it as a comment on the politics of his own times.
The old saying "pride comes before a fall", is also strongly in evidence.
The play tells the story of the Roman, Caius Martius (later known as Coriolanus after his victory over the Volscian town of Corioli), who is rejected by the citizens and the tribunes of Rome when he refuses to submit to the public show of humility necessitated by his elevation to consulship.
On his banishment, he seeks out the leader of the Volscians, whom he earlier defeated, and allies himself with his former enemies.
In an act of revenge he leads an army against Rome, but is finally persuaded to spare the city on the intervention of his mother, wife and son.
| |  | The Swan Theatre in Stratford
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This is perceived as an act of treachery by the Volscians, and results in Coriolanus' brutal killing.
David Farr's stunning production uses a pseudo-Japanese setting on a blood red stage to telling effect.
A particularly nice touch is the perception of Rome, following Coriolanus' expulsion, as a Maoist state, with his friend, Menenius, wearing a Chairman Mao cap and reading from a Little Red Book.
After his enormously funny performance in Merry Wives, Greg Hicks reveals himself as the undoubted star of this company with a beautifully judged and cleverly ironic performance of the title role.
He succeeds from the outset in establishing the heroism and the contempt of the character, sometimes with great subtlety, so even the pauses are telling.
Richard Cordery as Menenius, the voice of reason, is a commanding presence on stage and he extracts great humour from the role.
In fact, the balance of humour is well-maintained throughout the production - a significant feat, given the subject matter.
Alison Fiske gives a dignified and well-spoken performance as Volumnia and Chuck Iwuji presents a nicely judged Aufidius.
There is also excellent support from Tom Mannion and Simon Coates as the tribunes, and from David Killick as Cominius.
With both plays going on tour in 2003, the country is in for a treat. Coriolanus runs at the Swan until 25 January. It's yet another one not to miss.
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