The Duke in Darkness
Tabard Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 18th April 2013
"France is in the grip of long and bloody civil wars. A Duke and his servant, incarcerated for fifteen years, plot their escape and dream of freedom. But in this world of conspiracy and paranoia, where no one is quite who they seem, what will one man sacrifice for his chance of survival?"
This production of The Duke in Darkness marks the first time that Hamilton’s ‘lost’ play has returned to the London stage in over 60 years. The Tabard Theatre feels a little cramped which really does make the audience feel as if they are trapped inside a prison with the characters. The set is made up of jagged pieces of wood which gives a sense of being exiled into the wilderness which reflects the mind of the Duke's companion Gribaud.
This production of The Duke in Darkness marks the first time that Hamilton’s ‘lost’ play has returned to the London stage in over 60 years. The Tabard Theatre feels a little cramped which really does make the audience feel as if they are trapped inside a prison with the characters. The set is made up of jagged pieces of wood which gives a sense of being exiled into the wilderness which reflects the mind of the Duke's companion Gribaud.
The play opens with a game of chess between the Duke and Gribaud which fast becomes a comical martial spat between them before it dramatically changes into a much darker piece of theatre.
Voulain (played by Jake Mann) keeps the pace going as he urges the Duke to get ready for change and to go back to his people after being away for so long. As the play develops the Duke is faced with a very difficult question brought forward by Voulain, does he leave his friend Gribaud behind?
Voulain (played by Jake Mann) keeps the pace going as he urges the Duke to get ready for change and to go back to his people after being away for so long. As the play develops the Duke is faced with a very difficult question brought forward by Voulain, does he leave his friend Gribaud behind?
As we witness Gribaud's deterioration through mental illness, I too begin to wonder whether Voulain is right. I began to feel as if I was in the Duke's shoes, questioning what he should do. This was when I realised The Duke in Darkness is a tragic love story.
The Duke in Darkness is a good play performed by a brilliant cast although at times the play lacks pace. It is an extremely political play which still feels relevant today as I left the theatre asking myself questions 'What qualities are needed in a great leader?' 'Should personal relationships be sacrificed for the greater good?'. The Duke in Darkness makes a mentally stimulating watch.
Reviewed by Deborah Hargreaves
contact@westendframe.com
The Duke in Darkness runs at the Tabard Theatre until 11th May 2013.
Please visit www.tabardtheatre.co.uk for further information and to book tickets.
Keep up to date with the latest theatre news, reviews & interviews on Twitter: @West_End_Frame
The Duke in Darkness runs at the Tabard Theatre until 11th May 2013.
Please visit www.tabardtheatre.co.uk for further information and to book tickets.
Keep up to date with the latest theatre news, reviews & interviews on Twitter: @West_End_Frame
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