Bloody Poetry at the White Bear Theatre

Bloody Poetry at the White Bear Theatre

01 November, 2009
by: SpoonfedMeg

“Did you think poetry was harmless?” Lord Byron asks rhetorically to his unfortunate biographer, made the unwilling participant of the games of the literatti he has been charged to record. Yet Byron's question is directed just as much at the audience of the White Bear Theatre who are also held captive despite being much more willing to take part than the tussled-up journalist. It's also a thinly veiled warning that the idyllic theatrical depictions of some of the most famous literary minds of the Romantic movement may soon be taking a more serious turn.

At the White Bear Theatre, a refreshingly local, no-frills establishment little more than an empty store room behind a Kennington pub, I've joined a small but enthusiastic crowd for Bloody Poetry. This powerful and poetic production follows Percy Shelley, his mistress Mary Shelley and her step-sister Claire, and the trio's friendship with Lord George Byron.

The foursome eloquently debate poetry, radical ideals and their exile from England with flair during their first summer together; then the same conversations are imbued with a dark undertone and tensions within the group rise to the surface as tragedy binds the set together. The final scenes are a chilling portrayal of hypocrisy, the dangers of truly radical thinking and pain too personal to be shared even with those who are closest. There is no standing ovation at the end of the show, perhaps because the audience is rooted to their seats, mouths agape, still overwhelmed by the intensity of the final minutes of the show.

It can be a challenge for such small theatres to find both the cast and crew to put together productions that get the venue on the map but tonight's performances are worthy of the city's top stages. Richard Holt as Percy Shelley and James Russell as Lord Byron captivate during the first act with their banter and familiarity which extends to include the audience; a welcome feeling in the intimately small room. Yet it is Kate Malyon as Harriet Westbrook, Shelley's abandoned wife, who absolutely steals the show with one of the most convincing and chilling performances I've ever seen. There is a great deal of pressure for the actors, who could literally reach out and touch even the back row of the audience, but even under such close scrutiny their characters ring true throughout the show.

Although the run of Bloody Poetry has ended, the quality of the performance, the skill of the cast and the uniquely intimate experience all make the White Bear Theatre one to watch on the fringe theatre scene. If you're looking for special effects, massive ensemble casts or nose-bleed theatre seating, there's a West End ticket with your name on it. For a unique performance, the White Bear Theatre offers a different kind of theatre experience. Just don't make the mistake of thinking poetry is harmless.

The White Bear Theatre presents The Misanthrope beginning 3 November.

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SpoonfedMeg