★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Annie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

Continuing its streak of outstanding shows, Sohoplace opened its greatly anticipated adaptation of “Brokeback Mountain”. Sohoplace truly is going from strength to strength with an unbeatable programme for the year, each visit is such a treat. Not only offering shows of astounding calibre and talent, but they also continue to push boundaries and bring more unconventional shows to the West End. To say I had high expectations for the delivery of this new stage adaptation is an understatement.

Swept straight onto a Texan ranch; the audience see greeted by Tom Pye’s gloriously humble set, with disappearing props and multifunctional areas. The staging is beautifully curated; offering excellent detail while remaining simple enough that the audience can see all the action. I would however argue that perhaps there were a few seats in the audience which were at a disadvantage due to some staging choices, so I’d recommend sitting in the circle to avoid disappointment. But I suppose this is always going to be a tricky point for show in the round.

The show opens with an older Ennis (Paul Hickey), deeply pained and reflective of his life. It is a beautiful metaphor which is the continued throughout show with Hickey remaining on stage watching the action as if he is reliving his core memories. It is a lovely

Homage to the book and created a heightened sense of the love and anguish our characters feel through the play.

Similarly to what was done in “As You Like It” at the end of 2022, “Brokeback Mountain utilises live music during the show and has the band on stage throughout. The music is a wonderful ode to both the era and the surroundings: offering well-loved country sounds and honest lyrics. Led by the ever-beautiful Eddi Reader, the relationship between the musicians perfectly mirrors that of the actors on the stage, creating a harmonious atmosphere during the 90 minutes.

The love story of Jack (Mike Faist) and Ennis (Lucas Hedges) has been wonderfully directed by Johnathan Butterell and studied by the two actors is such a pleasure to watch. Their individual character development and connection to one another are so inspiring to watch, it’s hard to not fall headfirst into their world. Faist is incredibly charismatic and witty throughout, which contrasts Hedges’ reserved and rigid portrayal of Ennis. The two play off of one another so wonderfully, and the show feels so organic and real as a result.

Although a small cast, the consistency of performances from all of the cast is impeccable. Emily Fairn offers a powerful performance in the role of Alma, one which many women will be able to relate to in terms of the deceit and pain she is caused by her husband Ennis. Her pain feels so real, you truly sympathise with her.

As ever my expectations were truly exceeded by this beautiful show. It is so different from other shows currently showing but somehow manages to feel very comforting. As only a 90-minute show it is sometimes interesting to see how the show is modified and how characters are developed, but this throughout felt so complex and detailed it barely felt as if anything had been cut out or lost.

If you fancy a night of heartwarming love, beautiful music and excellent acting, get yourself to Sohoplace before it closes on 12th August!

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