Chichester Festival Theatre – until 18th October 2024
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
5*****
Redlands is a thrilling and colourful dive into the swinging 60´s, bringing an infamous moment of local history to the Chichester Festival Theatre stage in the portrayal of the Rolling Stones’ 1967 drug trial at Chichester Magistrates Court. Charlotte Jones’s play offers a thought-provoking and highly entertaining exploration of the band’s cultural impact, the complexities of youth rebellion, and the ever-shifting boundaries of law and morality.
The performances are absolutely electric, with Jasper Talbot in his professional theatre debut and Brenock O’Connor capturing the essence of Jagger and Richards with energy, accuracy and all the right moves. Their on-stage chemistry is palpable, the combination of fantastic storytelling and great music striking all of the right chords for me.
The supporting cast, including Emer McDaid as Marianne Faithfull and Louis Landau in his stage debut as Nigel Havers deliver equally strong performances, adding depth and an intriguing sub plot to the story, seamlessly weaving together the personal and the political. I enjoyed the narrative on the Havers family just as much as the main storyline.
The play’s soundtrack obviously adds to the night with classic Rolling Stones hits well known by the crowd, showcasing the enduring legacy of the rock ´n´roll pioneers. We were also treated to ´As Tears Go By´ and the beautiful ´This Little Bird´ both recorded by Marianne Faithfull.
Audibert’s direction is dynamic and visually striking, making use of the Chichester Festival Theatre’s spacious stage and dipping into the crowd to create immersion and a sense of chaos and energy. The production’s design is equally impressive, with stunning colourful costumes, amazing footwear and a set that transport the audience to the heart of the Swinging Sixties.
I thoroughly recommend Redlands for an exhilarating night out. The show succeeded as an eclectic mix of storytelling, comedy, farce, drama and rock musical. A vibrant, energetic and entertaining journey through one of the most iconic eras in music and history. If this show doesn’t make it onto tour then it will be a crying shame.