Jerusalem

~~Upon arrival I was welcomed warmly by the FOH team but was informed that the show was in three acts with two intervals and probably wouldn’t be finished before 11 pm. As it turned out it finished at 11.20, but they were three and a half plus of the most enjoyable hours that I could have wished for.
I had never seen Jez Butterworth’s “Jerusalem” before and my only knowledge of it was that there was a very successful west end run in which I believe Mark Rylance won an “Olivier”, so expectations were high especially as this was a production by one of the most accomplished dramatic theatre companies in NODA East.
The amazing set designed by Jill Ward consisted of woodland clearing with a full sized caravan that had been modified by Nick Drew. Tim Bolds lighting and sound was also very effective. Costumes by Catherine Lee and Sue Bailey were contemporary, as were the props by Claire Rowbottom, and all this stage managed faultlessly by Emma Goldberg. As productions go, this was as near technically perfect as it gets, allowing the actors to relax into their art without distraction.
Act one started with a rendition of “Jerusalem” sung beautifully by Yasmin Slinger that was ended abruptly, for reasons that are made clear later on. The morning following an all-night rave introduced us to two Council officers played by Laura Smith and Julie Baker who were delivering a final eviction order to the main character in the piece, Johny “Rooster” Byron, the enigmatic, rebellious. alcoholic, drug dealer played absolutely brilliantly by Jonni Hilton. Rooster, for all of his faults and disgusting habits became strangely endearing in the capable hands of this wonderful actor. Every line was delivered with honesty and passion as well as some very funny lines that could have fallen flat if not timed to perfection. Credit must also go to the very capable supporting cast particularly Alex Tyler who played Roosters closest friend Ginger. Alex performed with energy and commitment and was able to keep things moving when there was even the hint of hesitation. To have a member of cast as reliable as Alex is extremely reassuring to the rest of the ensemble. The Professor, played with great comedic effect by Verina Henchy, was an eccentric acquaintance, that made up the rich tapestry of Roosters life. The double acts of Lee Piper played by Matt Robertson, Davey Dean played by Peter Unwin as well as Tanya Crawley played by Aimmee Ryman and Pea Gibbons played by Elisabete Senkova, all did very well in mixing comedy and pathos to good effect. Tim Hughes did a great job of Wesley’s drunken ramblings, and Carolyn English displayed real sincerity as the love of Rooster’s life Dawn. Young Oliver Myland played Rooster’s son Marky and given the late hour of the performance did well to perform on cue so clearly and distinctly. Carl Perkins, another great actor, was truly menacing in this a minor role for Carl as Troy Whitworth the stepfather of the missing fifteen year old girl played by the afore mentioned Yasmin Slinger, who had a very poignant scene with Rooster at the end of Act three.
Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth is a fascinating look at life through the eyes of one of its rebellious outcasts in the form of Johny “Rooster” Byron. Many questions are asked and buttons pushed in this piece and this makes it very provocative. Dave Slinger did an incredible job of bringing all of these characters to life. The realism was tangible to the point where I could almost smell the stench of the campsite. I laughed, felt sadness, felt uncomfortable as well as being thoroughly entertained for the shortest three and a half plus hours that I have ever experienced. This was theatre in the truest sense of the word.

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