Park Theatre 14 February – 18 March. Reviewed by Claire Roderick
Wow. Just wow.
Action To The Word’s production of A Clockwork Orange is a brilliant piece of theatre. A Clockwork Orange is one of those marmite novels/films that splits opinion, but director Alexandra Spencer-Jones has created a bold, raw and vital production that turns the ultra-violence into testosterone fuelled ballet.
Teenage Alexander DeLarge and his droogs terrorise society until Alex is finally arrested for murder. After two years in prison, he volunteers for a controversial new treatment that cures violence and criminality, and could see him released in two weeks. Broken society, disaffected youth, increasing violence and how the authorities deal with them are as relevant today as when Burgess wrote his novel, and this production takes a sideways view at frightening issues with humour and stylised violence that is stomach churning but fascinating, accompanied by a thumping soundtrack.
Performed in the round on a mostly bare stage, with black, white and orange accents being the only colours in the production, the acting style is almost Shakespearean – but this is Shakespeare on steroids, with a touch of Brecht thrown in (although that might just be the vests and braces). Jonno Davies is incredible as Alex – sizzling with animalistic energy and utterly credible as Alex veers between hedonism, viciousness, rage, compliance and fear, all fuelled by almost Messianic narcissism. His final monologue is perfection – seemingly reasonable and apologetic about his youthful misdemeanours, but ending with almost demonic laughter – reminding the audience of the unreliability of this horribly charming character. An unmissable and award-worthy performance. The all-male ensemble of 8 are fantastic, with Damien Hasson as Deltoid and the Prison Chaplain bringing the sole voices of reason in the play to life with a deft touch and Sebastian Charles’ lodger full of quiet menace.
This is a powerful and pulsating production that deserves a wider audience. It might even make you attempt to read the book.