The Space, Isle of Dogs – until 19th October 2019
Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes
5*****
Based on the book by W.W. Jacobs, The Monkey’s Paw is a chilling story about being careful what you wish for. Set in a radio station, this version of The Monkey’s Paw is presented as a radio play, with audience members encouraged to close their eyes for the full experience.
With a small cast of 5 actors, the play starts with a 1930’s radio jingle for dealing with a cold. The radio station, the British Empire Radio Corporation, are proud to present a dramatic reading of some diary entries regarding the monkey and then, a radio play about the paw. Celebrated couple Nancy and Dick Everett (Jordan Baker and Becky Coops respectively) play the couple who are sent the monkey’s paw by their son who is away in India with the missionary. The radio director (Matthew Jameson) explains to the audience before the play starts that previous audience members have come over faint and it is perfectly acceptable to leave should you need to. Once the play starts the Everett’s forget their arguments and read the play for the listening audience. Once the play is complete the radio station is visited by Professor Swan from the British museum who intends to hold a Q and A session with the audience. After having his theory ridiculed Swan leaves but accidentally takes the prop of the monkey’s paw with him, leaving the real one behind. After an argument with her husband, Nancy wishes she was no longer his wife whilst holding the paw, believing it to be the prop. After Dick dies in the recording booth, the director runs off and Nancy, again holding the paw, wishes for the paw to go back to where it came from. A day later, the news reporter explains that Dick died and Nancy is in hysterics. The paw is never seen again.
With a set built to look like a 1930’s radio station the space is used well, especially for a small theatre. The costumes too help to set the scene with all 5 actors in 1930’s style outfits. As it is a radio play different sound effects are used, such as popping bubble wrap to be a crackling fire. This works well as when you have your eyes shut you can imagine the actual sounds. Although there are a few scary aspects, the lighting helps to add to the mood as the lights are dimmed down so everything is focused on the stage.
Not for the faint-hearted this play is a fun night out with the dire warning of being careful what you wish for.