Jerusalem

JERUSALEM - JEZ BUTTERWORTH - WILD WILL THEATRE - MOTHECOMBE, SEP’25
My second trip to Mothecombe in less than a week to see another community production which
has the trappings of professional theatre painted all over it. I honestly think that my liberal use of
superlatives is going to sound rather trite and lose its effectiveness when applied to this production,
particularly after the excellent Twelfth Night which l saw only six nights ago. How a small (but
beautifully thatched) village like Mothecombe can find the resources and people power to mount
two amazing, outdoor productions in two weeks, using five different locations, must be a feat akin
to Noah’s building of an ark that can contain his family, and two of every kind of animal, in just a
week! But, not only are we treated to two brilliant productions, we are also given musical entertainment before,

in the middle and after the shows, functioning bars (applause please for the

incredible way the staff manage to serve so many thirsty punters in fifteen minutes!) and beautifully
lit walks around the village.
One would have to concede that Majordomo, Rob Heyland, is the energy, creative
theatrical and driving force behind these projects but he is obviously assisted by a huge team of
backstage support who share his passion for outdoor, community theatre. Costumes, hair and
make-up were all of a professional quality. So, please take a bow (and be given attendant
applause, showered in rose petals, bubbly, gifts, cards and confetti) - The Amazing Crew as
detailed in the programme (and far too many to be named individually here, sorry).
And what a fine choice of production for outdoor theatre. I must admit that this is my second
outdoor Jerusalem in the last two years and it would be invidious of me to compare the two, but, for
the record, they were both excellent, particularly in the way they served the choice of location and
the needs of the company.
Jerusalem is a superb play. Particularly suited to outdoor production, it provides sixteen
roles, varying in size from ‘Thug’ to the lead part of ‘Rooster’ Byron, just the one location but with a
fascinating set and, as for most outdoor productions at this time of year, the opportunity for that
beautiful transfer from natural to artificial light. There’s quite a lot of what my Ma would
euphemistically call ‘language!’ If you think you’re going to be offended - don’t go!
And so, we are invited into Rooster’s world, outside of his caravan in the woods, where he
is about to be evicted by the local council. He is waking up after another drug-fuelled night of
excess, along with several youngsters who have crashed wherever. We gradually learn about
Rooster’s past and some of the rather unsavoury incidents that have coloured his story (although
we learn at an early stage that not all of these should be taken literally).
The role of Rooster is absolutely pivotal to Jerusalem and is one of those parts which one
has to be able to cast before embarking on any production. Mark Rylance was the initial creator of
the role. The guy who played the role last night would, l’m sure, have given Rylance a run for his
money! It was beautifully performed, with cracking voice, accent and physicality. I’m not supposed
to give any names which, in this instance, is a crying shame, because I’d like to name the entire
cast for their prowess and mutual support both of each other and the production team.
Because, not only was Rooster performed superbly, he was ably supported by an excellent
company of actors, all of whom brought an original energy to their characters and delivered
performances truly befitting the powerhouse that is Wild Will Theatre. I have honestly never seen
the part of Mr Rusty played as well as he was last night! And looking through the programme, I see
only one name that appears in both Twelfth Night cast and Jerusalem cast. So, another big hand
for the reach that the company must have in the surrounding area, and for all the supportive family
members who have also put their lives on hold during the creation of these two pieces of theatre.
A standing ovation at the end of the production was absolutely merited and l look forward to
seeing future productions by this innovative and courageous company. Many thanks.
Richard Haighton
04/09/25

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