York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 9th March 2024
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Emma Rice and Wise Children’s new production is Blue Beard and is currently playing at York Theatre Royal. I must admit that going into the show that I had no real idea what I was going to watch, if it is a show I have not heard of before I like going in “blind”, so I have no expectations to cloud my judgement.
Loosely based on a 17th century folktale from France about a nobleman who has been married six times, but they have all vanished, and he is on the hunt for his next “victim”. Here we see the story unfold in more recent times.
This show features three seemingly separate subplots. A group of nuns, from the Convent of the Three F’s, “Fearful, F**ked and Furious”. Dressed in checkered smocks and wearing white rimmed sunglasses, led by a blue bearded Mother Superior (Katy Owen). Her role is integral to the show as the narrator.
Lost Brother (Adam Mirsky), his plea for help in searching for his Lost Sister (Mirabelle Gremaud).
Finally, Treasure (Patrycja Kujawska) and her daughters Lucky (Robyn Sinclair) and Trouble (Stephanie Huckley), who are united in their grief for a dear husband and father.
The sisters encounter an enigmatic magician, Blue Beard (Tristan Sturrock), who sweeps them off their feet. Lucky, after being sawn in half, and Blue Beard unexpectedly losing his latest assistant/wife, is seduced and agrees to marry him. Her family are initially hesitant with this union but are swayed by his wealth. All is going smoothly until Blue Beard has to go away, entrusting Lucky with all the keys, strict instructions that one of the rooms is off limits. Deciding to have a party, what could go wrong? The pull of the forbidden room is just too strong.
The second half gets so much darker. Lucky discovers Blue Beard’s murderous secret, a room full of all the bloodied bodies of his former wives. With the help of her mother and sister, she manages to avoid her certain fate.
The whole cast of actor-musicians are truly versatile and exceptionally talented. Showcasing a range of theatre skills, from physical theatre to ballet and musicianship, there is no let up. With original music by Stu Barker and arranged by Ian Ross.
During the interval I still had no idea how the three subplots would all come together, but it all becomes apparent in the powerful climax. We not only find out the horrifying truth about what happened to Lost Sister, but we learn who Mother Superior really is.
For a lot of the time, especially the first half, the show is bonkers. It is complex and can be confusing. It makes you laugh, but all the while there is a darkness, with the final climax, the true horror really is exposed. We were stunned into silence, with only sniffles being heard amongst the stunned audience.
This show has a powerful message with violence against women still occurring every day and we need to take a stand. The really sad part is that unfortunately, that though many victims of domestic violence and predatory killings are women, men can also be targeted and should not be forgotten.
A somewhat thoughtful piece of theatre, somewhat confusing at times, with a strong powerful message. A definite one to watch.