The Court of Capricorn by Christopher Range

Sparkling with wit and a Shakespearean tongue-in-cheek style, The Court of Capricorn by Christopher Range is an inspired work of theatre with a backstory as grand as the cosmos.

When Capricorn summons the other twelve constellation-oriented individuals to his court, it is proposed as a time of celebration, but the reality of this cosmic convention may be something quite different. Half fairy-tale and half-allegory, there is a brilliant simplicity to the eccentric story, but the mind of the playwright perpetually shines. With clever allusions and elbow-nudging references throughout, as well as memorable personifications and precise character development, this reads like the work of a mischievous genius.

In an age where star signs and their significance have surged, this work is an engrossing exploration of power and belief, and also shines a light on numerous human follies. As plays are wont to do, the exposition and world-building is driven almost exclusively through dialogue, with minimal stage directions, yet Range makes the world come alive, immersing readers completely by the end of the first scene. An elevated, somewhat posh level of language is adopted and consistently maintained, and humor is regularly injected.

Some of the creative turns of language may elicit an occasional eye-roll, but the comedy woven into the plot is a pleasure to read, and would be both poignant and hilarious performed. Vacillating between powerfully symbolic to amusing and thought-provoking, The Court of Capricorn is undeniably unique, making this astrological adventure by Christopher Range a strong debut.