johThe Studio Theatre Club's rendition of Ben Jonson's The Alchemist, set in the late 1940s with gender-swapped main characters, is a brilliant and engaging production that lights up the Unicorn Theatre. The director, Dan Booth, clearly took on a significant challenge by choosing to produce a play by Ben Jonson - first performed in 1610 - bringing it to life for a 21st-century audience. However, hats off to Mr. Booth, as he, his production team, and his talented cast pull this off with great aplomb.
Relocating the story to post-war London, the production captures the bustling, opportunistic atmosphere of the late 1940s. The period details, from the costumes to the set design, create a vivid backdrop for the shenanigans and schemes of the characters. The clever use of lighting and sound enhances the authenticity and mood of the era, immersing the audience in the colourful yet precarious world of racketeering and confidence tricksters.
Francesca Richards as Face delivers a standout performance, bringing both charm and cunning to the role. Her portrayal of a female con artist navigating the male-dominated post-war society by her artful deception provides many an opportunity to demonstrate her versatility and range. Anna Wilson’s Subtle complements Richards perfectly, embodying the sly and resourceful alchemist with great skill, transforming herself into a myriad of convincing characters. Together, they form a dynamic duo whose chemistry drives the narrative forward with wit and energy. Elena Mortimer’s portrayal of Doll Common complements the pair with her comedic timing and sophisticated performance of a multifaceted character, ably demonstrating Doll's skill at manipulating all those around her - by whatever means necessary. The interplay between the trio highlights their complex and, at times, volatile relationships and shared ambitions.
The supporting cast is no less impressive, with notable performances from Maciej Hamera as the hapless Abel Drugger, whose physical comedy and expressive face bring a lot of humour to his scenes. Rhona Mackenwells' portrayal of Dapper is delightfully naive and provides a perfect foil to the cunning trio, her comedic timing and expressive demeanour making her scenes particularly enjoyable. Mike MacDonald as the ‘entitled’ Sir Epicure Mammon is another highlight: his larger-than-life performance perfectly capturing the character's excessive greed and vanity. Jon Shepherd's Surly brings a necessary balance of scepticism and roughness, while Kat Steiner's Kestrel embodies the caricature of a schoolboy reminiscent of The Beano. Jessica Edney’s Dame Pliant brings a touch of innocence and charm, her interactions with the other characters adding to the comedic fabric of the play.
Ben Winters as Ananias and Stephen Briggs as Tribulation provide strong support, their portrayals of religious fervour adding another layer of satire to the production. Matthew Kirk as Lovewit offers a grounded and authoritative presence, where his return forces the con artists to face the consequences of their schemes. Helen Keely and Rory Morrison as The Neighbours, along with Jon Kirchhoff as the Police Officer, provide memorable characters to great comic effect.
Dan Booth's direction and adaptation are commendable, effectively transporting the essence of Jonson's work to a new era while maintaining the play's core themes of greed, deception, and ambition. The decision to gender-swap the main characters offers not only a fresh perspective, but also provides comment on gender roles and power dynamics in contemporary society.
The stage management by Kath Leighton ensures a smooth and well-coordinated production. The lighting and sound design, produced by Lindsay Rowland and Natasha Fenston respectively, work in harmony to create an atmospheric experience that enhances the storytelling.
The Studio Theatre Club's The Alchemist is a delightful and thought-provoking adaptation that honours the original play while bringing it into a new light. The talented cast, skilful direction, and evocative setting make this production a “must-see”. It is a testament to the timeless appeal of Jonson's work and the creative potential of reinterpretation. Whether you are a fan of the original play or new to the story, this performance is sure to entertain and inspire.
Tickets for the remaining performances are available from The Bookstore in Abingdon, online, or you can purchase tickets on the door.