What transpires when we delve into the bleak reality of a
horror film director, who seems to have some psychological instability which has
caused some of the most spine-tingling scenes in film history? Southwark
Playhouse’s production of Russell Labey’s, ‘Gods and Monsters’ was an exceedingly
captivating story that enabled you to see how the world renowned director,
James Whale directed the ‘Frankenstein’ films, as well as, the performances
were incalculably absorbing to the eye.
‘Gods and Monsters’ is set in the mansion of admired film
director, James Whale where he has kindly accepted a request for an interview from
student, Kay (Joey Phillip) about his illustrious career. During the interview,
James Whale becomes sexually predatory and asks the young student to remove
most of clothing, which causes Whale to have a minor stroke. His long serving
maid, Maria is fully aware of these outbursts.
Upon his return from hospital, Whale is familiarised with his young, ex-marine
gardener, Clayton Boone and invites him to become an artist’s model as Whale is
interested in re-discovering his love for painting as he was once a set
designer in his career. Clayton is quite hesitant at first as Whale is adamant that
he must remove his shirt, as it’s integral to the art. Out of respect to the
famous director, Clayton does as requested, but Whale has other ideas in not
the most appropriate of ways, and it is revealed that Whale is in fact gay, and
cannot be exposed as it is illegal. Of course, Whale’s past as an army officer
comes back to haunt him as he recollects his first relationship he had when he
was on duty with soldier, Tozer (Will Rantall), this again causes him to have
one of his funny turns. This alarms Clayton as he has never witnessed this kind
of outburst before. Over the course of
their many sessions, we see have crazed James Whale actually is as he turns
violent toward Clayton when he decided to remove Clayton’s shirt and jeans and
as such, Clayton makes a speedy exit.
The finale is wicked as James commits suicide in his swimming pool.
Labey’s narrative is tremendous as you are constantly left gripped by Whale’s
unrequited love towards Clayton and how he is desperate to see all men, who are
in his presence, in private in the nude.
One found the performances by the company of, ‘Gods and
Monsters’ were outstanding as they were vastly mesmerising to watch through
sublime voice and movement work. Ian Gelder is extraordinary as the award
winning director, James Whale; exclusively when his behaviour changes into someone
possessed when he tries to take off all of Clayton’s clothes off, in which he succeeds.
Will Austin is incomparable as the former marine, Clayton Boone; unambiguously when
he tries to come to terms with James Whale’s sexual preferences and James Whale’s
demanding personality, additionally, I could not seem to revert my eyes to his beautiful
muscular tone. Lachele Carl is splendid as James Whale’s maid, Maria; expressly
when she tries to use comic one-liners to defuse James’ often mentally unstable
mood swings and irrational behaviour.
Russell Labey’s direction is sparkling here as his understanding
of James Whale’s underlying psychotic tendencies have impacted on his socially unacceptable
attitude when he is in the presence of quite gorgeous men and how Clayton appears
to be the play thing of James Whale’s hands. Jason Denvir’s set and costumes
are immaculate in all areas as you are immediately fascinated into the 1950’s
time period and into the mind of James Whale’s intriguing and disturbing mental
state. Furthermore, Louise Rhoades-Brown’s
video projections and Mike Robertson’s lighting design added an extra and
appreciated layer to an effervescent show. Overall, the experience of ‘Gods and
Monsters’ was really entertaining and titillating, and was lovely to see.
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