Trapped by the swiftly settling snow Prudencia finds herself caught in a place she'd rather not be and surrounded by people she'd rather not be around. From the charming yet shallow Colin Syme (and his motorbike...), the bald-headed folk singers to the hen party from Kent intent on karaoke and chaos! Caught amidst this blur of music and alcohol she stumbles out into the snow and on a journey into the wilds with consequences beyond her wildest dreams. Something is afoot at midnight in midwinter. Can she find her way back and, more to the point, does she want to? Either way, Prudencia Hart will never be the same again...
From the moment you walk into the wonderful unique space at Manchester's Royal Exchange you know that you're in for something special with this equally unique musical play. The energy, talent and charisma of the cast is on display immediately as they jam on various instruments while the audience take their seats. Infectious Celtic folk tunes form an impromptu ceilidh and it's hard not to be swept up in the rhythm. Seamlessly they transition into an ironically electrifying acoustic cover of Lil Nas X, very much setting the stage for what's to come.
To say too much about the plot itself risks undoing the impact of the sharp left turn that it takes part way through. Seamlessly combining traditional storytelling and song with contemporary twists, The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart feels like a modern fairy tale. From the mundane to the supernatural and back again it moves along at a cracking pace without feeling rushed. The climactic moments are simultaneously gripping, intense and laugh-out-loud funny and it very much feels like we've been on every step of the journey with our heroine. Told in verse from the very beginning, it's impossible not to be swept along by the verbal beats and flows.
Joanne Thomson brings incredible charm and likeability to the lead role, bringing Prudencia's simultaneous journey through Kelso and herself to life. Whether it's her sheer optimism at the outset, the frustration at her academic reception or the introspection during her confinement in the second act, we feel every iota of the journey with her. Equally impressive is Thomson's ability to command the stage with so many characters and so much action taking place around her.
Quite honestly, the entire ensemble is talented to the point of being almost sickening. One moment dancing, one moment busting out instruments and then delivering dialogue with great gravitas or spotless comic timing. Each member of the troupe is allowed many moments to shine, often bringing very different characters to life over the course of the production. Oliver Wellington's turn as the charismatic yet infuriating Colin Syme is a particular highlight. Paul Tinto's role as a helpful stranger that turns out to be more than he first appears is suitably layered with charm and menace as the story unfolds. Amelia Isaac Jones and Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings bring energy and boundless charisma to every role they pick up, from academics to hen party revellers and anything in between. Malin Lewis provides the rich, Celtic soul to proceedings with a mastery of traditional music and instruments.
From a visual perspective this play is an absolute treat as well. Simple, yet incredibly effective use of props, light and sound throughout combine to create a world that you can't help but be drawn into. From the snowy streets of Kelso to a local pub to far more sinister locations, the staging ranges from the charming to the dramatic without once feeling excessive or gimmicky.
With the seating in the round and the relaxed, musical start it feels like the
audience is along for the experience rather than just watching it. With just
enough knocks on the fourth wall and some light hearted pandering to the local crowd
(Shout out to Rochdale...) it's as inclusive a theatrical experience as you
could want for.
Overall this is a hugely fun, dynamic and delightful piece of theatre. High
energy from the outset but infinitely charming, this is a contemporary fable
that presents the very best of traditional folk entertainment with several
modern twists. It makes for a unique adventure that's well worth jumping on
board with.
Reviewer - Chris Brooker
on - 8.12.21
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