Stage Review Withnail and I

Adonis Siddique (and 'I' - Marwood) and Robert Sheehan (Withnail) in the stage premiere of Withnail and I The Birmingham Repertory Theatre May 2024 Photograph by Manuel Harlan

Writer, Bruce Robinson’s Withnail and I has finally been brought to stage. This totally British cult tale made famous by the film version by Handmade Films (1987), is about two, jobbing actors seeking work and has premiered at the Birmingham Rep this month, directed by Sean Foley. 

Overview

It is Camden Town, London 1969 - the year Robinson initially penned the story, when the things we attach to 60's psychedelia had reached full fruition. Our two unemployed protagonists have been caught up in the lifestyle but not experienced any work success thus far. Yet, despite the discomfort and squalor of the flat they share, Withnail is leading a bohemian life, paranoid yes, dramatic and flamboyant and either completely ‘off his face’ or nursing a thumping hangover, whereas his friend, Marwood, the first person, ‘I' from the title, tries to articulate the opposite extreme in order to not lose sight of reality but is often left deflated.

When the two leave London for a short break and they drive to Uncle Monty’s vacant cottage in the countryside their friendship is really tested…

Comment

Withnail and I is a comedy that entertains throughout. The dialogue is wonderful with lots of sweary content that helps with the overall tone that pertains to a certain generalised youth culture where a sense of devil may care, excessive, immutable behaviour can exist. The audience are engaged right from the start and the actors are pure class.

Pictured Adam Young (Danny), Robert Sheehan (Withnail) and Israel J. Fredericks (Presuming Ed) from the premiere of Withnail and I 2024 Birmingham Repertory Theatre Photograph by Manuel Harlan

The creative team provide a moving set that includes the two's crash pad and one that drug dealer, Danny and Presuming Ed utilise in the pair’s absence.

Adonis Siddique ('I' Marwood) and Robert Sheehan (Withnail) Withnail and I Birmingham Repertory Theatre 2024 Photograph by Manuel Harlan

The vintage car is a sight to see and authentic props along with the videos and projections provide a sense of road travel and place characters in countryside location(s). The wardrobe elements are funny and fabulous too, wonderful adornings to the visual, Alice Power we thank you for it.

The music is a key feature of this play. The film version of course, had an electrified soundtrack of banging tunes, and so, to credit this show with the same energy a manufactured four-piece band (consisting of members of the ensemble) perform songs live which includes: A Whiter Shade of Pale; Spirit in the Sky and Hey Joe!

In the final scene Withnail proves his acting talent as he beautifully orates Shakespeare in the rain, a lovely delivery of that (in character), Robert Sheehan.

Withnail and I has three mighty fine actors playing main characters including Malcolm Sinclair in the Uncle Monty role; a talented ensemble cast of individual performers, is perfectly structured and directed and most important of all is great fun.

ENDS

Stage Review Withnail and I by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended the press night performance at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 14 May 2024 7.00 pm

References

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep) Withnail and I printed programme 2024

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The Rep) CAST ANNOUNCED FOR BIRMINGHAM REP’S STAGE ADAPTATION OF BRITISH CULT CLASSIC:

WITHNAIL AND I Press Release 18 March 2024

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre New Approved Withnail and I Production Pictures 14 May 2024