Beautiful Thing
Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 17th April 2013 (Press Night)
Surely a play written twenty years ago, which includes references to Richard and Judy, Grange Hill and Madonna should feel extremely dated? Oh no... you could not be more wrong. Every single word that Jonathan Harvey wrote twenty years ago is still just as funny and heartwarming today, making Beautiful Thing a timeless classic. Throw in a simple yet contemporary set, some slick direction and a cast who are hard to fault and the Arts Theatre has finally found itself a must see show!
Beautiful Thing tells the story of two young men who live on an inner city housing estate and fall in love. Instead of being a play about being gay, it is a play about falling in love. Jonathan's script is incredibly funny, even as the story gets more serious a good one-liner is never too far away. I started to make a note of some of my favourites but ran out of space in my notepad.
The cast are hard to fault. Suranne Jones is almost unrecognisable as Sandra, a fearless single mother; her portrayal is breathtaking. Suranne always delivers comical lines spot on, yet never runs the risk of becoming a two-dimensional character. This balance is not always easy to find.
But it is newcomers Jake Davies and Danny-Boy Hatchard who are the stars of the show as Jamie and Ste, they make Beautiful Thing feel incredibly fresh and exciting. Both characters go on such huge journeys which Jake and Danny-Boy portray beautifully. Their on-stage chemistry is nothing but powerful, endearing and touching. A mention must also go to Zaraah Abrahams who gives a strong performance as Leah, one of their neighbours who is loud, courageous and slightly crazy.
Colin Richmond's set design and Nikolai Foster's direction are largely responsible for Beautiful Thing feeling so relevant today. The set is simple, consisting of a contemporary looking backdrop. It's not what I was expecting but is quite fitting for the production. Nikolai's directing keeps the piece visually interesting at all times. Not once, for one single second did I feel the slightest bit bored. David Plater's lighting design is effective, allowing some powerful imagery to be created.
The Arts Theatre seemed to be packed with eager audience members who had either previously seen a production of Beautiful Thing or the 1996 film version. These people were not disappointed. However, this was my first time seeing Beautiful Thing and I loved it just as much as those familiar with the story, if not more as I was never quite sure what would happen next.
The show features some very strong language and adult themes, plus a Margaret Thatcher reference which, on the day of her funeral, provoked quite a response from the audience. Beautiful Thing is a special play which most certainly pulls at people's heart strings. Many sobs could be heard as the story came to its conclusion. If you decide to see a play over the next six weeks, make sure it is Beautiful Thing.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Beautiful Thing runs at the Arts Theatre until 25th May 2013. Click here to book tickets.
Related
- Interview: Nikolai Foster, directing Beautiful Thing at the Arts Theatre
- Interview: Zaraah Abrahams, starring as Leah in Beautiful Thing at the Arts Theatre
Photo Credit: Francis Loney
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