REDLANDS at the Chichester Festival Theatre

★★★★

“Justin Audibert’s direction infuses the production with energy, enhancing the psychedelic ambience of the time”

Redlands, a new play by Charlotte Jones, deliciously delivers an enthralling portrayal of a pivotal moment in cultural history. This fictionalised account of the infamous 1967 trial of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in the quiet Sussex city of Chichester explores generational conflict and societal change, highlighting the tension between The Establishment and the emerging rock and roll aristocracy.

In the summer of 1967, Keith Richards hosted a party at Redlands, his country house in West Wittering, near Chichester. Their revelry is abruptly interrupted by a police raid, leading to Mick and Keith’s arrest on drug charges. Jones deftly captures the clash between the youthful idealism of figures like Mick and Keith and the entrenched authority represented by Michael Havers, the leading QC defending them. This is no straightforward courtroom drama; it masterfully blends history and fiction, capturing the spirit of an era while examining the generational rifts that define it.

Central to the narrative is 17-year-old Nigel Havers, son of The Rolling Stones’ lawyer and an aspiring actor. Serving as a meta, fourth-wall-breaking narrator, he bridges the old guard and the new generation. Here, Nigel develops a relationship with Marianne Faithfull, whose portrayal in the tabloid press after the raid prompts her to re-evaluate her career and relationships. Their shared background of family and societal expectations, along with noble titles, adds emotional depth, highlighting the personal stakes amidst the public spectacle of the trial.

The show transcends the typical courtroom or coming-of-age drama. It examines the class system of late sixties UK, the reliability of the press and justice system, and the nature of fandom and fame. With ten songs from the Rolling Stones and Marianne Faithfull’s back catalogue performed live by cast members and an on-stage band, the play captures the exuberance of the era. Jasper Talbot (Mick Jagger) and Brenock O’Connor (Keith Richards) excel in their roles, skilfully channelling the unique moves and charisma of their real-life counterparts, particularly in musical numbers featuring classics like “Ruby Tuesday,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Emer McDaid conveys the complex emotions of Marianne Faithfull, transitioning from the wild atmosphere of the party to moments of vulnerability in her relationship with Nigel.

In addition to father and son Michael Havers QC (Anthony Calf) and Nigel (Louis Landau), we also meet Michael’s father, Cecil “Bongo” Havers (Clive Francis). Despite being a prestigious lawyer and judge, Cecil is depicted as having more in common with his grandson than with his stuffy son. This trio adds both emotional depth and humour to the narrative as they navigate the weight of generational expectations.

Justin Audibert’s direction infuses the production with energy, enhancing the psychedelic ambience of the time. The vibrant set (Joanna Scotcher) and evocative lighting (Matt Daw) immerse everyone in the chaos and excitement of the era, creating a truly dynamic experience. Chichester’s thrust stage brings the action close to the audience, enhanced by direct interactions between performers and audience. Actors dance in the aisles, and two small platform stages above the exits serve as additional performance spaces during the musical numbers, as well as for commentary by journalists and witness boxes during the trial. The hardworking ensemble cast take on multiple roles, from comedic police officers to legal staff to journalists, bringing their characters to life with charisma and depth. Standouts include Adam Young, who plays both the drug dealer sent to Redlands and the News of the World journalist believed to have sent him there, as well as Havers’ other son, Philip. Akshay Sharan shines as Michael Havers’s legal colleague, who is smitten with Jagger.

Redlands cleverly juxtaposes the liberated spirit of the ’60s with the conservative values of an older generation, creating a dynamic commentary on the cultural upheaval of the time, alongside contemporary themes of youth culture and the struggle against societal norms. This celebration of rock and roll rebellion serves as a timely reminder that the clash of ideals continues to shape our world. The audience in Chichester was more than satisfied, despite the city and its residents being the butt of many jokes.

REDLANDS at the Chichester Festival Theatre

Reviewed on 29th September 2024

by Ellen Cheshire

Photography by Ikin Yum

Previously reviewed by Ellen:

BARISTA THE MUSICAL | ★★★ | CAPITOL THEATRE | September 2024

THE BELT | ★★★★★ | THE CORONET THEATRE | September 2024

THE WEYARD SISTERS | ★★ | RIVERSIDE STUDIOS | August 2024

REDLANDS

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★★★★★

“The performances are rich and joyous. It’s hard to take a part that’s so familiar and make it your own, but this cast does it.”

In case you’ve been living under a rock, this show is a Covid delayed U.K. premiere of the smash hit US musical, based on the hugely successful film of the same name.

The plot sticks closely to the film. Cady Heron (Charlie Burn) is a new kid at an American high school, having been home schooled in Kenya up until now. She must choose between authentic outsiders, Janis (Baylie Carson) and Damian (Tom Xander), or the poisoned chalice of popularity that comes with being one of ‘The Plastics’. The romance plot is more central than in the film, with Cady’s main motivation being her infatuation with fellow calculus student Aaron (Daniel Bravo).

Mean Girls marks another in a current trend of film to stage adaptations, which seem to be driven, at least in part, by the temptation of an existing fan base. Certainly, as I join a small army of pink clad women (it’s a Wednesday, so we’re all wearing pink) marching towards the theatre, this plan seems to have paid off.

There’s a worry it will feel like a soulless shell of the film. But it doesn’t. The book, written by Tina Fey, who wrote and acted in the film, is smart and witty. It’s updated, with fresh and current jokes (references to Ozempic and Get Ready with Me videos) but keeps the fan favourite one-liners from the film. With clever lyrics by Nell Benjamin and music written by Fey’s husband Jeff Richmond, the show delves further into these characters who are beloved by the fan base.

The performances are rich and joyous. It’s hard to take a part that’s so familiar and make it your own, but this cast does it. Each character has a different musical style which allows the actors to stand out, each thriving in their niche.

Tom Xander as Damian is wondrously campy and fun. Every moment with him is a scene stealer. At one point he steals a mobility scooter, which results in some glorious physical comedy. Baylie Carson smashes it as Janis, standing in for Elena Skye for this performance. It’s a tricky part and they own it, giving Janis her own flair amongst bigger more flamboyant characters. Georgina Castle as the iconic Regina George is fabulously evil, Disney villain meets Instagram influencer. She has a captivating stage presence. Grace Mouat as Karen has fabulous comic timing, and her physical comedy is on point. Also, Zoë Rainey as all three of the ‘grown up’ women dazzles in her multi rolling, turning each caricature up to the max.

Scott Pask’s set design combined with Finn Ross and Adam Young’s video design is as much a nod to the film as the plot. Settings are projected onto huge screens, calling into question that line between film and theatre. Sometimes it’s backdrops, sometimes photos of the cast, of the Burn Book, and sometimes (like in a brilliant evocation of a photocopier) it’s a theatrical wonder. It doesn’t do it for me, but it does feel fresh.

Under this show’s joyous silliness, there’s an important message about female solidarity. It would be interesting to know how it plays for people who don’t know the film. But for fans, and there are many, it’s a delicious night of fetch-y fun.

REDLANDS at the Chichester Festival Theatre

★★★★

“Justin Audibert’s direction infuses the production with energy, enhancing the psychedelic ambience of the time”

REDLANDS at the Chichester Festival Theatre

Reviewed on 29th September 2024

by Ellen Cheshire

Photography by Ikin Yum

Previously reviewed by Ellen:

REDLANDS

REDLANDS

MEAN GIRLS at the Savoy Theatre

★★★★★

“The performances are rich and joyous. It’s hard to take a part that’s so familiar and make it your own, but this cast does it.”

MEAN GIRLS at the Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on 10th July 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

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MEAN GIRLS

MEAN GIRLS