Review: Thérèse Raquin at the Park Theatre

Thérèse Raquin

Park Theatre (Park200)

Reviewed on Tuesday 5th August 2014

★★★★

Based on Émile Zola's novel set in 19th Century Paris, Thérèse Raquin is a dark new musical about a woman who has an affair with her husband's friend, leading to desperate actions and disastrous consequences.

I hugely enjoyed Thérèse Raquin when I saw it earlier this year at the Finborough Theatre, but it is incredible to see how much the piece has grown and settled in just four months. Thérèse is a fascinating character. She doesn't utter a word during the opening scenes, not speaking until she is alone with her secret lover Laurent. Once she starts there is no stopping her and we soon learn just how passionately dark Thérèse and Laurent's relationship is.

Craig Adam's score is sublime. The way in which he writes about humanity is extraordinary; I would love to see exactly what goes on inside his brain. Melodies are haunting and truly strike from within. Julie Atherton has developed her portrayal of Thérèse; she is perfect for the role and, even though she turns out to be a monster, I couldn't help but feel compassion for the character.

At first Greg Barnett had some shaky moments as Laurent, but his performance soon settled. The three river women - Claire Greenway, Ellie Kirk and Lucy O'Byrne - have stunning voices whilst Tara Hugo and Jeremy Legat are sensational as Madame and Camille. The entire company are a force to be reckoned with.

Directed by Nona Shepphard, (who also wrote book and lyrics), it is an utter joy (and a huge relief) to finally see a production which utilises the unique performance space at the Park Theatre! Thérèse Raquin embraces the theatre’s height and has been perfectly adapted for its new home. The show is more suited to a larger space; it is less spooky and more eerie.

I now disagree with what I wrote in my last review about the show lacking commercial appeal - I can see it working in an even larger venue. Sometimes the attitude in London theatre is that we should support new writing regardless of its quality, but once again Craig Adams has restored my faith in new British writing. His first musical Lift remains one of my all-time favourite shows and it is extremely exciting to see him take a different direction with Thérèse Raquin. I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Thérèse Raquin runs at the Park Theatre until Sunday 24th August 2014.

Please visit www.parktheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Read our interview with Craig Adams