Review of The Yellow Wallpaper
 | "Excellent Cast in Wonderful Play" by Philip Herbert for remotegoat on 31/07/08 |  |
It was a hot and sticky night in the Studio Theatre of the Courtyard last night which only added to the intensity and discomfort whilst watching this piece of truly magical theatre.
The Yellow Wallpaper surrounds us as a single bedstead and a single female figure writes notes and stares out at the audience.
Once in a nursery the Yellow Wallpaper is now ripped and torn, faded and battered - rather like its inhabitant . A depressed new Mother CHARLOTTE (post natal we would call it now) is in this room 'recovering' from nervous exhaustion and temporary hysteria.
Her doctor, JOHN, is also
her husband and has moved her here - to this house - to this room - for rest and relaxation.
JENNIE the nurse is devoted and dedicated and carries out his instructions to the letter.
But there is something else in the room
THE WOMAN - a being, a presence, another person behind the yellow wallpaper coercing and encouraging and entrancing poor Charlotte. Recovery is a long way off.
The direction is faultless, we are captivated from the start and travel this difficult journey into madness along with the players. All the actors are excellent. JOHN (Tom Kirkin) copes well with some tricky dialogue; "my little lamb", "bless your little heart", "fancies just fancies" and although a bit stiff and awkward this only added to his character. He loves his wife and is his doing his best . An earnest and honest performance.
CHARLOTTE (Emmeline Cresswell) who plays madness with increasing despondency is superb. She starts slowly and builds up to an intense intolerable madness that is hard to watch. Often 'mad' acting is bad acting but not so here - brilliant and beguiling.
JENNIE the nurse (Emma - Rachel Blackman) is an excellent support and gives her all. She is totally believable and her concern for her patient is paramount.
THE WOMAN (Joanne Clark) is the Yellow Wallpaper - inside it and around it , she drapes herself around the room - around the bed and around Charlotte. She comes out at night when the house is quiet and when Charlotte is most vulnerable.
She moves and sinks , struts and contorts and when both characters 'dance' as one the audience were completely silent watching every jerky step , every faltering gaze.
An astonishing performance from this unique performer .
The adaptation (Novel by Charlotte Perkins Gilman), the direction, the lighting design and set design are all credited to Sarah Elaine Stewart who succeeds in each and every task.
This is complete one - off and the best show I have seen for a long time . It is off to Edinburgh @ The Roxy One Aug 3rd till 9th at 3.30 pm so catch it if you can - a real must see. It would suit The Theatre Upstairs @ The Royal Court, The Trafalgar Studios or The Menier Chocolate Factory.
Managements Take Note.
| Event Venues & Times | |
| finished | Courtyard Theatre | Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street, London, N1 6EU |
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