Review: ORPHANS, Jermyn Street Theatre
Photo credit: Charlie Flint
Written by Lyle Kessler, Orphans received its world premiere in 1983. Since then it has compiled a glittering resume that includes stints on Broadway and in the West End. Over the years, a magnificent pedigree has attracted performers such as Albert Finney, Jesse Eisenberg and Alec Baldwin. It was adapted for the big screen in 1987, directed by Alan J. Pacula and starring Matthew Modine, with Albert Finney again reprising the role of Harold. This new production, directed by Al Miller, looks set to enhance its reputation further still.
Treat (Chris Walley) and Phillip (Fred Woodley Evans) are two brothers living in the rough part of North Philadelphia. Treat, the eldest, leads a feral existence and dominates his housebound younger brother. For Treat, thieving and thuggery is a means of keeping a roof over their heads. Philip has an inherent fear of what lies outdoors as Treat has convinced him that the air is dangerous. Instead, he secretly educates himself by watching TV and reading magazines. One day, Treat brings home the inscrutable Harold (Forbes Masson). Treat aims to imprison and ultimately fleece a vulnerable old man. However, Harold begins to exert influence over the brothers with unexpected results.
There's a stripped down feel to this production that gives the story an undeniable rawness. With only three characters, there is time and space to explore a range of human emotions as their back stories begin to unfold. Treat is cynical and calculating; Philip is needy and dependant whilst Harold is quietly controlling. As always, the compact dimensions of the Jermyn Street Theatre maximise the impact of the play. The cast are excellent and have a great rapport with one another, which helps to inject some much needed light relief. The accents adopted are particularly striking and well observed. American accents are very easy to get wrong, but all have perfected an authentic delivery free of exaggeration. The accent and dialect coach Rebecca Clark Carey deserves great credit for getting so much from the cast.
Certain plays hit the mark because they make unpleasant characters bearable with the tiniest drop of humanity. There are dramatic precedents to which playwrights should always turn. Lyle Kessler clearly wears his influences on his sleeve. Orphans evokes the great American playwrights of the 20th Century. It has the grittiness of Arthur Miller and the claustrophobic tension of Tennessee Williams. This is skilful storytelling told with style and grace.
****Four stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Orphans plays at London’s Jermyn Street Theatre until 24 January, with further info here.
