Review: In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play at the St James Theatre

In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 22nd November 2013

One might expect a show called 'The Vibrator Play' to be slightly shallow and full of cheap laughs. While 'In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play' certainly contains some of these moments, it also surprises as certain scenes are written and performed with such heart. However, this juxtaposition doesn't always work and I'm not sure whether Laurence Boswell's production always knows exactly what it is trying to be.

'In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play' is about the invention of the vibrator. Set in New York during the late 19th century, Sarah Ruhl's play would certainly make an interesting Channel 4 documentary. Dr Givings invents a 'strange electrical device' in his in-house treatment room (otherwise known as the next room - or the upstairs room as it should be named) to cure female hysteria. Despite the device being invented for medical reasons, Dr Givings soon discovers some of his patients will find any excuse to return for further treatment.

It is the scenes in the treatment room which become farcical. Dr Givings (Jason Hughes) and his 'accomplice' Annie (Sarah Woodward) almost reminded me of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett for a moment as they discussed their plan. Of course the orgasm scenes are all very over the top. It was very interesting to see the majority of audience members laughing, a few looked disgusted while others appeared unphased. 

The sections of the play which take place 'downstairs' in the lounge are mostly sincere and of a serious nature. Dr Givings' wife, Catherine (Natalie Casey) recently gave birth but is unable to breastfeed her child. They hire a wetnurse (Madeline Appiah) which Catherine struggles to deal with and leaves her marriage in tatters, particularly as Dr Givings is also reluctant to share his work with his wife.

'In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play' features a handful of both hilarious and heartbreaking moments, but it lacks identity. Something about it feels very empty and, at times, I felt as if it was trying to live up to the hype. Simon Kenny's design somehow manages to be grand and detailed, yet fairly simple. I loved the huge curtains which majestically opened and closed between acts, almost sweeping up those sat in the first row.

Natalie Casey steals the show as Catherine, I always admire her versatility. Casey is at home on stage and knows how to build a strong and effective relationship with an audience. She can be funny without being shallow while also portraying the more serious moments beautifully. Edward Bennett makes quite an impression as Leo Irving, a patient who Catherine takes a shine to.

If you fancy seeing something slightly shocking I would certainly recommend 'In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play', there is nothing else like it in the West End. The St James is a beautiful theatre, although if it continues to stage productions such as The Vibrator Play and Urinetown (which Jamie Lloyd directs next year), it will soon build a reputation for itself!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play runs at the St James Theatre until 4th January 2014.
Click here to book tickets.

Photo Credit: Johan Persson 

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