Jordan Luke Gage has written the book, music and lyrics of a new musical, Redcliffe, which reaches Southwark Playhouse, directed by Paul Foster, after a long period of development.
It takes inspiration from the story of two men hanged in 1753 for the “detestable crime of sodomy”. Although the real William Critchard was a young man as portrayed here by Gage, Richard Arnold was a pub landlord around the age of 60.
Redcliffe‘s Richard (Daniel Krikler) becomes a young lieutenant in the navy, a stranger in town who offers young William an escape from the constant plotting of his mother (Rebecca Lock) to find him a wife.
With a widowed mother and young sister, Abigail (an assured Jess Douglas Welsh) at home, William feels the pressure of being the only son and the man of the house, and also feels conflicted by the “difference” he knows is seen as an offence to man and God.
This is clearly a passion project for Gage, who captures the character with ease and poignancy, with 21st-century sensibilities placed on an 18th-century capital case. There are moments of humour driven by Mrs Critchard and her friend (Melissa Jacques), but also young love between Abigail and Arthur (Joseph Peacock).
The community of Redcliffe claims to stand together, but in practice is quick to condemn and isolate. The parallels with current right-wing intolerance are clear, and as the cast tells us at the end, in some countries, gay men can still face death for just being who they are.
The friendship and attraction between Richard and William are carefully developed, and the chemistry between the actors is strong. Other supporting characters feel a little one-note, especially the police officer and judge.
Technically, Redcliffe is very strong – set by Andrew Exeter, lighting by Matt Hockley. A light box running around the auditorium changes colour to suggest place and emotion. The stage area is topped by a wooden frame suggesting the shadow of the gallows. Costumes (by Martin Hanly) offer a sense of period as well as class structure and character aspirations.
The 20+ songs have a range of styles and melodies driven by the 6-piece band, but the lyrics are occasionally reduced to the simplest of rhymes (stairs/chairs). Gage and Lock have the best numbers, and perhaps a repeated listen to the score would make it stick.
The townspeople of Redcliffe are clearly influenced by church and duty, so it is unlikely William would have such a supportive family; the historical record is silent on the point.
Moments of love, innocence, prejudice, brutality, and moral coldness are portrayed well throughout a strong and committed book.
Despite the changes made to the story throughout, Redcliffe is a powerful drama about the persecution endured by the LGBTQ+ community across centuries. I saw audience members in tears and found the last shot exceptionally moving. Just one of many stories, but the stories need to continue being shared.
Taking all this into account, I’m giving Redcliffe 4 stars.
Redcliffe is showing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 4 Jul – tickets here.
Read the historical account of the case of Richard Arnold and William Critchard.
Photo credit: Pamela Raith