Review: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance at the Park Theatre

James Marlowe (Liberty Valance) & Oliver Lansley (Ransome Foster)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 

Park Theatre

Reviewed on Friday 16th May 2014

Described as "one of the greatest tales from the American West" Jethro Compton has adapted The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (John Ford directed the 1962 American Western film version) from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson.

Set in 1890, the play follows young scholar Ransome Foster (Oliver Lansley) from NYC who, in search of a new life, travels west. Foster falls for local girl Hallie Jackson (Niamh Walsh) and strikes a special friendship with Jim Mosten (Lanre Malaolu). The future looks bright until Liberty Valance (James Marlowe) crosses a line during the first act's tragic conclusion, changing the course of the play into a slightly predictable good versus evil plot containing the occasional twist and turn.

Niamh Walsh (Hallie Jackson)

When reviewing previous shows at the Park, I've often commented about productions lacking atmosphere, so I was overjoyed when The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance began with style and character. The majority of the play is smartly staged and the design changes the feel of the space.

It's amazing what some clever lighting and strong sound design can do - the music was particularly superb (although Robert Vaughn's narration was a little unnecessary, the cinematic vibe doesn't work). Jethro Compton's production is the best show I have ever seen at the Park, and it's certainly very different to anything else I've seen in London for a very long time!

I wouldn't describe myself as a fan of the Western genre, so was pleasantly surprised when I found myself completely engrossed during the sometimes gripping and thrilling first act which sees Ransome educating his new friends. However, the second act takes a change of direction and the play loses its swift pace and polished feel. Perhaps scenes need to be shortened or certain details need time to be fine-tuned as the piece no longer felt alive and kicking.

The cast give strong performances, particularly Niamh Walsh and Lanre Malaolu. Walsh's portrayal of stern talking Hallie grows and develops and she carefully allows the character to soften without losing her strength.  Malaolu's performance is nothing short of moving, the moment Jim hears Shakespeare for the first time is beautiful.

There is something very exciting about The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The production may not be perfect, but it is very refreshing to watch something so unusual. It is fantastic to see the Park Theatre, which celebrated its first birthday yesterday, continuing to grow and take risks. It's a great shame this production loses consistency in the second act, but I don't think Western fans will be left disappointed!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance runs at the Park Theatre until Sunday 22nd June 2014.
Please visit www.parktheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Jethro Compton Ltd

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