Fringe Theatre can be some of the best Theatre around and ‘Swing! Swing! Admiral Byng!’ is no exception. With a warm and friendly welcome from the venue staff at The Playground Theatre, London, I eagerly looked forward to seeing this play. It is a new play, based on real historical facts and written and directed by Christopher Swann. Swann wanted to write a play where the main character (Byng) knows to the second when he will die - Swann quotes “In my writing I want to make a difference by facing the subject head on - you write what you know and my life has been defined and guided by the many losses I have experienced” Powerful and thought provoking words from Swann, an acclaimed Writer/Director/Producer. The story centres around Admiral John Byng, played by the charismatic actor Peter Tate. Byng is a man facing his last hours and wants to face those hours with dignity. Byng was commanded in 1756 to save Port Mahon naval base on the island of Minorca and from falling to the French. The play pivots around Byng’s final two days of his life after being court-martialed for “failing to do his utmost”and features themes around deep friendships, sibling love, betrayal and navy life. Byng needs to die with his dignity intact and this aspect takes us on a journey of perhaps our own self-discovery, thoughts of our own loved ones and what they mean to us. Byng’s trusty companion and servant Hutchens, played by Chris Barritt brings just the right amount of care and devotion to his master, it is clear he is extremely fond of the admiral. Further into the play there are some wonderful and emotional moments with Byng and a young boy who is soon to join the Navy. The young boy played authentically and tenderly by James Shenoi brought out Byng’s softer side and were lovely scenes to witness. It must be noted Shenoi I believe is one to watch and an actor who quietly but effectively owns the stage. He has a stage presence that can’t be taught and I believe a bright acting future ahead of him.
There are scenes with Byng’s Sister Sarah, played by Corrina McDermott that are played so beautifully. There is a richness to her acting and she is a valuable inclusion to the cast. We are thrust into an almost Lady Macbeth-esque scene where McDermott truly shines. There are dream sequences where Byng gets hints of the future and his own legacy. I thought the stage setting perfect for this play, with backdrops that give a sense of the sails of a ship at sea - set is by Peter Bingemann, lighting design by Petr Vocka. Lighting was also used effectively with candle light effects and bright lit-up visual portraits with historical context. As to Tate the lead actor in this play, and also Founder and Artistic Director of The Playground Theatre, he held his own throughout the performance showing the many different emotions he was going through in his last days of life. A solid actor who ticked the boxes, delivering powerful monologues and connected well with his audience and cast. The lead up to his final breath, was for me the most dramatic and edge of your seat moment of the play. The full cast all delivering fine performances.
Certainly it seems writer Swann has had experience of loss, I can sense it in his creative work. That lived experience he’s had and although perhaps different stories, loss is loss and can forge connection with others going through similar feelings. The fact that this play is also an historical piece of work and events that actually happened make it all hit home that little bit more. A true masterpiece of writing from Swann and well worth a visit to The Playground Theatre!
You can see Swing! Swing! Admiral Byng! at The Playground Theatre until 17th May 2025.
Reviewer - Mary Fogg
on - 1st May
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