Review: OKLAHOMA!, Wyndham’s Theatre

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Oklahoma! has always had a sinister undertone but, come the rousing finale, this is often forgotten. That is not so in this brand-new adaptation, which succeeds in bringing darkness to the forefront. 

This production modernises and transforms Rodgers and Hammerstein’s magnificent score. With a nine-strong band interacting with the cast, the wall of sound does complete justice to the genius orchestrations, with Huw Evans’s conducting really contributing to the high-energy musical ensemble moments.

A key success of this production is musically updating the score without undermining its Golden Age origins. Electric guitars dominate the Dream Ballet and performers use their astounding vocal skill to colour the songs with riffs. The latter makes the entire production more relatable and, at times, more conversational.

Pore Jud is Daid has always told a powerful story. Its staging in this production highlights its ingenuity as a vehicle for telling Jud’s tale. With Curly McClain (Arthur Darvill) and Jud Fry (Patrick Vaill) sharing a handheld microphone, a handheld camera is focused in on Vaill’s face which fills the back wall. Vaill’s astonishing, emotionally connected performance gives greater insight into the character than we have seen before. His performance drives the remainder of the storyline and steals the show.

Location, beyond the obvious Oklahoma, is unclear. The set is static, using lighting, or physicality to denote a change in time or space. Whilst this works well during moments of introspection, it denies the production the chance to celebrate the wonderful rural landscape that gives the characters their livelihood.

Jud’s journey throughout the story is unsettling and we wonder if the lighting is designed to exacerbate this. Extended blackouts, long periods of house lights up, and almost-blinding whitewashes, means that we can never quite sit back and enjoy the show. But then, perhaps this is the point. This production of Oklahoma! does not shy away from the sexually predatorial undertones of the show and knowing that the cast can see us makes us feel accountable as witnesses.

This unsettlement comes to a head during the final moments of the piece. Anoushka Lucas‘ performance as Laurey Williams is captivating and unexpected during the visceral climax. Daniel Fish must be commended for creating a challenging Laurey rather than an acquiescing one. However, at times, the show’s determination to bring out the darkness denies us the romantic joy of some key moments, particularly during Act Two, which made it feel anticlimactic. 

Arthur Darvill’s musical talent kicks off the show with palpable energy and he is constantly impressive. The cast are a masterclass in ensemble performance and capture the feeling of community particularly well during group musical numbers.

Bringing a Golden Age masterpiece back to life, this production gives you all the joy of the original with a modern twist. If you’re after that warm, fuzzy feeling of romance, this might not do it for you but it’s an absolute must-see and a brilliant example of a classic made relevant. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Eliza Harris

Oklahoma! is currently booking at the Wyndham’s Theatre until 2 September, with tickets available here.