Coram Boy at Chichester Festival Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
I had the pleasure of being invited to review ‘Coram Boy’ at Chichester Festival Theatre on 30th May 2024. The play is performed from 24th May 2024 to 15th June 2024 at 7.00pm, with matinee performances at 2.30pm on 1st June, 4th June, 5th June, 8th June, 11th June, 13th June and 15th June. Prices start from £10.00. Running time is approximately 2 hours 50 minutes, with an interval of 20 minutes.
The play Coram Boy is Helen Edmunson’s adaptation of Jamila Gavin’s Whitbread Award winning novel, which premiered at the National Theatre in 2005 and was then successfully transferred to Broadway. The performance has two Acts, the first set in 1742, the second in 1750, in both Gloucester and London.
There are four main characters; Otis Gardiner (Samuel Oatley), his son Meshak Gardiner (Aled Gomer), Alexander Ashbrook (Will Antenbring) and Aaron Dangerfield (Louise Binder). Secondary characters includer Thomas Ledbury (Rebecca Hayes/Tom Hier), Melissa Milcote (Rhianna Dorris), Toby Gaddam (Jewelle Hutchinson), Mrs Lynch (Jo McInnes), Sir William Ashbrook (Harry Gostelow), Theodore Claymore/Handel (James Staddon), Lady Ashbrook (Pandora Clifford) and Mrs Milcote (Debbie Korley).
The play is set in the 18th century and is based around the ethos of the Coram Hospital, which was the first charity for children funded by public donations. This was set up by Captain Thomas Coram, who was shocked at the number of babies dying on the streets of London, so set up a foundling institution for children which opened in1741. Illegitimate children under two months old and ‘free from disease’ were brought in and chosen to be admitted by a ballot system.
Act One introduces the main characters, with Otis Gardiner seen as buying illegitimate children, reassuring distraught mothers of his good intentions of care, but harshly disposing of their bodies (aided by his son Meshak Gardiner).
Alternatively, set in Gloucester Cathedral, Alexander Ashbrook and his best friend Thomas Ledbury are choristers, who enjoy performing the music composed by George Handel. Alexander invites the poorer Thomas to his family home at Ashbrook, where he is over-awed by the opulent surroundings. Alexander and Melissa, the daughter of his governess Mrs Milcote meet at Ashbrook and fall in love, which results in a baby named Aaron. Alexander leaves the family home after an argument with his father, Lord Ashbrook over his wish to become a composer, unaware that he had fathered a baby. Melissa is coerced by Mrs Lynch to hand the baby over to Otis, but Meshak takes the baby Aaron to Coram Hospital to save him from the fate of infanticide.
Act Two is set in 1750, where friends Aaron and Toby are seven years old, having been raised in Coram Hospital. Both are musically tutored by both Thomas and Alexander. Unfortunately, Toby is sent to work for Phillip Gaddarn (previously Otis Gardiner) as a servant, with the threat of being sent away abroad as a slave. Alexander wishes to reconcile with his father, Lord Ashbrook, so arranges a concert by the Coram choir. Unbeknown to Alexander, his son Aaron is in the choir, who has been accompanied by Meshak, who stayed with Aaron and worked at Coram Hospital. Aaron is recognised as the son of Melissa and Alexandra and a happy reunion is orchestrated. In the meantime the sins of Otis Gardiner are exposed, with his trade in dead babies and selling children into slavery becoming public knowledge.
Acknowledgement is given to the expertise of Anna Ledwich (Director), Simon Higlett (Designer), Emma Chapman (Lighting Designer), Composer and Sound Designer (Mac Pappenheim), Stephen Higgins (Musical Director), Ben Arkell (Production Manager) and Linda Fitzpatrick (Company Stage Manager) plus many other key roles. Musicians were Steve Dummer (Clarinet), William Harvey (Cello) and Saba Safa (Violin). Young choristers from Chichester Cathedral, led by the Organist and Master or Choristers, Charles Harrison recorded some of Handel’s music which are heard in the play. Sincere thanks to the children in the performance who played the parts of choirboys and Coram children.
This gothic tale is brilliantly depicted on stage through the clever use of interactive scenery, which gives the atmospheric feel of a gloomy 18th century society. The actors are superb, each portraying their parts to great effect, with truly believable characterisation. It is at times a difficult play to follow, as some actors have dual roles, but it is well worth the effort to follow the storyline. Themes of family ties and expectations, a hierarchical society, philanthropy, murder, abuse, blame culture and slavery are all encompassed; some relevant even in today’s society unfortunately. This is a play that certainly provokes discussion and comparisons, which is an excellent sign of a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
I would thoroughly recommend this play, which is a hard hitting historical masterpiece, which challenges the mind and perceptions of 18th century England.
Written by Jan Dixon for WGTD. Excellent play with a very well deserved 5 star rating
Rating: 5/5
For more information please visit Coram Boy | Chichester Festival Theatre (cft.org.uk)