REVIEW: Masquerade - Epstein Theatre
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
From the get-go, the show was utterly compelling. We, the audience were are a part of the show, audience participation was encouraged from the outset and you could often hear the faint sound of people singing along to some of the 80's music at different intervals of the show.
Written by Laura Lees, with additional material by James Baker and Tom Lloyd, directed by James Baker and produced by Bill Elms, Masquerade is an exceptional piece of theatre. The script is a beautiful blend of witty exchanges, heartfelt raw emotion and an explosion of honesty which provides an education on what it meant to be Scouse and Gay during such a monumental time in history. In addition, we gain an insight into the lives of those who loved family members who were on the receiving end of bigotry, harsh treatment and bias because of their sexuality.
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
The opening scene opens and we meet Mike and Leanne. As they go through a box filled with nostalgia, we hear about Mike's early days and his recollection of frequenting the Mazzie with his best friend Tony. The scenes that follow take us back in time and we revisit the youth of the protagonists (Mike and Tony). We learn that The Masquerade Gay bar was a regular haunt for the likes of Holly Johnson and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. he dynamism between Tony (Joe Owen) and Mike (Jamie Peacock) is incredible. They are phenomenal actors capable of portraying such range.
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
The play previously played at The Royal Court and this time is a re-imagined production at The Epstein. Jamie Peacock played the role of Mike originally in 2019 and returns to be accompanied by Joe Owen who plays his 'bezzie mate, Tony.
We witness a beautiful love story between Mike and Stuart a.k.a Judy and it unfolds before our eyes with such tenderness. There is a real coming of age and revelation of identity which sees both Mike and Stuart having to be bold about who they are authentically, especially when challenged by their loved ones. Heartbreak ensues when the threat of Aids looms and relationships break down.
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
There were may moments throughout the show when you could feel the audience holding their breath as they digested the scenes that played out before them. The most harrowing scene was when Stuart / Judy was physically assaulted and broken emotionally as well as physically. As we observed him leaving his old identity behind and forging a new one, emotions ran deep.
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
Catherine Rice was excellent in her many roles. She delivered some hilarious one-liners but also showed intense emotion as she expressed her grief and sense of loss. Neil Macdonald also played a number of roles and he was flamboyant, tender and incredibly humorous. Joe Owen was phenomenal as Tony, he was flighty and reckless, playful and caring. His energy was high and he played a brilliant Tony. Jamie Peacock played Mike wonderfully, he portrayed the naievty of Mike brilliantly and some of the emotional scenes where he felt betrayed and cheated were delivered powerfully. Michael Bailey was incredible, especially as Judy. He performed his heart out and was one of my favourite members of the cast. Leah Gould, Joey Colasante and Michael Latham also contributed richly to the cast.
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
In a nutshell, the show was exceptional. I hung onto every word that was spoken. I laughed, I almost shed a tear, I gasped with anticipation, I exhaled with relief. I would watch this show again multiple times over in a heartbeat. It was stunning. Congratulations to the creative team and cast. It was outstanding.
The show ran from 22nd - 26th November
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| Photo Credit: Anthony Robling |
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