by Val Simpson
2/20/1988

For regulars accustomed to nothing noisier than the occasional crash of cymbals to signify a Shakespearean battle, Carrie will come as a profound shock.

In this musical version of Stephen King's horror story, synthesised screams echo around the auditorium and the theatre throbs to the rhythm of rock.

Seventeen-year-old Linzi Hateley steps into the role that made a movie star of Sissy Spaceck with remarkable ease. She is endearingly vulnerable as the plump teenager with incredible powers of telekinesis who is tormented by her lissom schoolmates.

RSC director Terry Hands has assembled a joint Anglo-American cast -- Carrie transfers to Broadway in April -- and created a high-energy, fast-action musical.

It is an odd night out, however.

I know the RSC is starved of cash. Let's hope, however, that Carrie brings in enough funds so it can stick to the Bard in the future.