The Changeling

I am always pleased to attend Oldbury Rep, not least for the variety in their season. The Changeling was the final production of the 2025 -26 programme before the well-earned summer break (although I expect there never is a break when running your own theatre).

Over the past couple of years or so I have attended a few plays written by Paul Steventon – Marks such as Lady Jane Grey, Frankenstein A Monster in Paris and Macbeth. These have been performed in the more intimate Studio Theatre. The Changeling therefore broke the trend as it was performed on the main stage however, a gothic style and interpretation within Paul’s work before remained.

The Changeling was, as within other dramas, not only written and directed by Paul but also included him as a major character. Paul is an exceptional actor, not least recognised by all for his outstanding portrayal as Salieri in the award-winning production Amadeus. Oldbury Rep have established themselves for light-hearted drama as well as more challenging pieces and of course their pantomime.  They have also, with Paul’s work, not held back from staging original pieces.

As this run was the first airing for the play (world premiere) it was not possible to prepare for what was going to unwind before us, other than knowing it to be a re-imagining of Dracula. I notice within the well-designed programme the statement ‘So sit back as we transport you to Transylvania’, no mention therefore of the usual statement whereby the word relax is included. Was this a deliberate choice I question.  

Throughout the production playing in the background was eerie music, this sounded familiar as used in the past, but it works.

Kieran Bentley’s performance as Van Helsing was unwaveringly strong as he and Dek Bagley as Tomaz who also gave a good performance become stranded and need to seek assistance. We have all seen the results of this scenario umpteen times.

Mariel Olivier gave a frighteningly good performance with strong emphasis on the characterisation including haunting moments and crawling on stage.

Carol Deakin as Frau Grohl gave a totally solid performance and not for the first time. Her character was a one off and somewhat deep, a person you would not, unlike Van Helsing and Tomaz you would not want to encounter in an isolated location especially in Transylvania!

Sheila Herriotts as Birdie lived up to the name in a timid childlike style in character and voice.

Josh Plimmer as Alexander came across as quite unsettling and sinister – a man of few words but maybe that says it all. Steve Palmer as puppeteer and man added to the disturbing portrayals presented.

Finally, Paul as Dimitri had such presence and stage craft he swept (literally with wonderful costumes) into place. Paul commands the stage whenever he is on and never faulters.

Paul has the most elaborate ‘collection’ of costumes. If he does not have, he will along with Carol Deakin adapt or make. They are always stunning in detail as indeed they were for The Changeling.

The lighting design was good; this is usually the case at Oldbury. However, I must mention the sound design and operation. Sound effects were spot on – well done to Surab Ali, Libby Slack and John Maddison. There was in addition suitable use of theatrical fog and haze

Somewhat interestingly Paul had removed the black cloths used as stage flats. As a result, the audience could see into the wings making waited entrances visible, this included cast simply sat awaiting their cue. The audience could also observe stage crew members undertaking their duties and health and safety requirements such as fire equipment and notices. For this more contemporary piece of theatre I could see where the director was coming from.

Theatre should be part of the community, and this is what Oldbury Rep practice. However, with this piece Paul had the philosophy of ‘if the community cannot get to you, then go to the community’. The play was scheduled to be performed at three Black Country libraries.

In conclusion thank you to Paul and his team for bringing us this new and ambitious work. Although the plot was complex with numerous twists and needed some understanding I think I (almost) got there in the end. As always with Paul’s productions there were strong, dark characters who were well directed with stunning costumes and suitable make up.

Oldbury have announced their season for the coming 12 months and has something for everyone. Next for Paul and his team, and back in the Studio, is a variation of George Orwell’s classic Animal Farm entitled simply The Farm.

Ann Pollard, Assistant Representative district 8 and Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands.

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