A Tale of Two Cities, Adapted by Liz Love, The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre | 19 to 23 May ⭐⭐⭐ Review by Indigo Cleverley

Photo credit: Claire Greenan

A Tale of Two Cities

Adapted by Liz Love

The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre | 19 to 23 May

⭐⭐⭐ Review by Indigo Cleverley

“Slightly disjointed… nevertheless, the production is entertaining, atmospheric and resourceful.”

‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom’.

Taking place during the turbulence of the French Revolution in the 18th century, A Tale of Two Cities follows the lives of different characters adjusting to the volatile times and shifting attitudes of the era and as any Dickensian novel, it covers problems of class, wealth and the chance of transformation and redefining oneself.

Adapted and directed by Liz Love, this production does well to cover the novel’s layered narrative in 95 minutes, utilising the seven actors in multiple roles to encapsulate the novel’s time jumps and changing settings, particularly across London and Paris. At times, the different characters being introduced slightly blurred the focus on the protagonists, it would have been helpful to understand their characteristics and desires before launching into the action, in order to become more invested in their narrative arc and comprehend what is at stake throughout.

The production’s design features are a standout, Helene Gustavsson’s costumes catch your eye in an instant, capturing the fashion of the era perfectly with waistcoats, knee-breeches and delicate open-skirted gowns. As well as complimenting the visuals of the show, these costume choices are essential in understanding the class divides, a key theme running throughout the narrative, as well as allowing for multi-rolling to be smooth and representational.

The set design is framed by a Union Jack and a French flag on either side of the stage, with wooden furniture around the parameters, contributing to the historical setting and conflicts, with James Connor’s lighting design supporting this.

As a whole, the performance felt slightly disjointed, with a lot of short scenes and sudden changes to the set, as well as the atmosphere, presenting a jolty pace which led to a struggle to invest in the characters and their personal journeys and development. During the opening scene, there appears to be narrators, played by Nikki Clare Durrant and Caroline Edwards, however as the performance continues they are part of the narrative, and I was unsure of whether they were narrating as their characters or detached; perhaps adding more clarity to these narrated segments would be beneficial.

Reece Lewis’s portrayal of Sidney Carton, a passionate but cynical lawyer is moving and earnest, full of confidence and connection to the role. Aryan Chavda’s Charles Darnay is compelling, the chemistry between Darnay and Lucie Manette (Liv O’Connor) is clear and helps to push the narrative along. O’Connor brings Lucie to life with a loveable, kind nature but unafraid to stand up for what she believes in. Lucie’s father Dr Manette is played by Joe Childs who captures the character’s gentleness and unease caused by his eighteen years of imprisonment. As the villainous Marquis d’Evremonde, Vince Matthews balances the hostility and charisma of the antagonist and later in the production as Earnest Defarge, accompanied by Caroline Edwards as Madame Defarge - this couple serve an important part in the plot however, felt somewhat rushed in establishing their motives.

Despite a slightly slow start, as the plot progresses, as do both the atmosphere and the characters whose aspirations and stakes become more apparent, allowing the audience to invest themselves in the narrative. However, overall, the production lacks pace which prevents a true emotional connection to the characters and their growth and development which, in Dickens’ novels, is a focal point. Nevertheless, the production is entertaining, atmospheric and resourceful.

Cast

Miss Pross / The Judge: Nikki Claire Durrant

Madame Defarge / John Barsad: Caroline Edwards

Sidney Carton / The Henchman: Reece Lewis

Charles Darnay / Man / Border Guard: Aryan Chavda

Lucie Manette / Woman / Seamstress: Liv O’Connor

Doctor Manette / Jacques : Joe Childs

Marquis d’Evremonde / Earnest Defarge / Prosecutor: Vince Matthews

Creatives

Written by Charles Dickens

Adaptor and Director: Liz Love

Costume Designer: Helene Gustavsson

Lighting and Sound Designer: James Connor

Lighting and Sound Technician: Jolie LeBell

Production Assistant: Elliot Nelso 

Presented by VandL Productions