The High expectations turned into sheer anxiety as the lights dimmed on the audience and the performance commenced. Disregarding expectations was impossible, knowing that the play has its roots in a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and has run globally for seventy years.
In hindsight, holding expectations was not a smart move due to it being a play where the central character Elwood P. Dowd (Craig Methven) has a 6-foot-3-and-a-1/2 inch tall invisible rabbit named Harvey for a best friend.
Regardless of its high reputation, the production satisfied in every regard. It is neatly woven together with particularly strong performances from Methven, Caroline Elms (as Elwood’s sister, Veta) and Callum O’Dwyer assuming the role of Dr. William Chumley, a psychiatrist who attempts to have Elwood permanently committed to a psychiatric hospital.
While Harvey never makes an appearance on stage, his presence is heavily focussed on, effectively conveying the company of a giant white rabbit to the viewer. Doors are seen to open independently, and Elwood even apologises at one point for kicking him accidentally. Elwood’s discussion of Harvey’s friendly and talkative nature not only helps to personify Harvey, but also establish Elwood’s firm beliefs in Harvey’s existence.
Sophistication is also apparent in the handling of the stage, with Veta’s living room looking distinctly average – reflecting her desperate attempts at properness and normality despite Elwood’s sometimes disruptive behaviour. Conversely, the bland and spacious furnishings of the hospital work to convey a sense of staleness and emptiness.
The occasional interjections of period musical numbers firmly contextualise the performance in 1940s America. Effective attempts at period immersion also include references to proper manners towards women, temperance, and misdiagnosis and treatment of suspected mental illnesses.
The performance conveys a strong message of acceptance and forgiveness. The serious yet light-hearted theme along with the strong performances and technical sophistication mean that you won’t be left feeling disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.The High expectations turned into sheer anxiety as the lights dimmed on the audience and the performance commenced. Disregarding expectations was impossible, knowing that the play has its roots in a Pulitzer Prize winning novel and has run globally for seventy years.
In hindsight, holding expectations was not a smart move due to it being a play where the central character Elwood P. Dowd (Craig Methven) has a 6-foot-3-and-a-1/2 inch tall invisible rabbit named Harvey for a best friend.
Regardless of its high reputation, the production satisfied in every regard. It is neatly woven together with particularly strong performances from Methven, Caroline Elms (as Elwood’s sister, Veta) and Callum O’Dwyer assuming the role of Dr. William Chumley, a psychiatrist who attempts to have Elwood permanently committed to a psychiatric hospital.
While Harvey never makes an appearance on stage, his presence is heavily focussed on, effectively conveying the company of a giant white rabbit to the viewer. Doors are seen to open independently, and Elwood even apologises at one point for kicking him accidentally. Elwood’s discussion of Harvey’s friendly and talkative nature not only helps to personify Harvey, but also establish Elwood’s firm beliefs in Harvey’s existence.
Sophistication is also apparent in the handling of the stage, with Veta’s living room looking distinctly average – reflecting her desperate attempts at properness and normality despite Elwood’s sometimes disruptive behaviour. Conversely, the bland and spacious furnishings of the hospital work to convey a sense of staleness and emptiness.
The occasional interjections of period musical numbers firmly contextualise the performance in 1940s America. Effective attempts at period immersion also include references to proper manners towards women, temperance, and misdiagnosis and treatment of suspected mental illnesses.
The performance conveys a strong message of acceptance and forgiveness. The serious yet light-hearted theme along with the strong performances and technical sophistication mean that you won’t be left feeling disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.