REVIEW | Alan Turing – A Musical Biography, Riverside Studios London
Written by Cathie
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
When you hear the name Alan Turing several facts usually come to mind. Firstly he is a war hero famous for the ‘enigma machine’ and recently portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. Secondly, as one of the founders of our modern technological world as we know it he is responsible for many of the theories and AI tests currently used. Turing is famed as a scientific legend and well renowned. Thirdly Turing is known for his ill treatment by society as a homosexual man in 20th century Britain. This show attempts to showcase all three areas in varied ways. Much of this production’s plot and lyrics is taken directly from Turing’s letters and research papers so Turing’s patterns of language are transferred well but not always clearly. The atmosphere is set well once you step inside the room as the ticking of the enigma machine quietly plays and esoteric mathematical symbols are scrawled in chalk on the floor.
The performance is entirely acted by the dynamic duo of Joe Bishop and Zara Cooke. Joe Bishop works hard to portray Turing as an awkward and sensitive intellectual. At times his performance veers quite close to Sheldon Cooper but he manages to create several moments of profound sadness, empathy and wonder at the world. He sings earnestly and with patient conviction. This is contrasted by Zara Cooke who plays every other character, including most of the women who supported Turing the most during his life. Her performance was invigorating and interesting. I enjoyed how she portrayed each character with distinct mannerisms and showcased their different personalities well. She is an excellent foil for Bishop and gives him many opportunities to shine. Her singing was also quietly wonderful in key moments.
The key themes of Turing’s love of mathematics and childlike awe of the original Snow White fairy tale are cleverly referenced throughout. They are woven throughout the plot and apples are used to emphasise key points and turning moments of his life.
The songs were enjoyable but not especially memorable. The lyrics were more story retelling set to music than the catchy whizz bangs of many West End shows but the gentler tone suited this production far better. Much of the lyrics were mostly mathematical references, with some Latin and German thrown in. I appreciated Per aspera ad Astra (through the thorns to the stars). Sometimes the math references got a bit too complex for the audience but the gist of it was transmitted mostly well. Some lyrics were empathic, nuanced and powerful including silence is our saviour and how Turing felt an odd number in an even world.
The set is used in a carousel of whirling between the different pieces to reflect different places and times. The mundane aspect of the different items is used well to showcase Turing’s brilliance in contrast. The fitness bike to represent Turing’s travels was utilised well.
At 80 minutes long, the pacing at times feels off but it moves on with a fairly strong momentum and does its best to go over the key moments of Turing’s experience. Some experiences are glossed over, including his wartime experiences, but it does explain the majority of his experiences well. His romantic experiences are barely mentioned until almost the end. The way his wrongful sentencing and the impact of his chemical punishment are explained is filled with pathos and condemnation of such inhumane treatment.
Much like Turing’s fascination with the gentle ways the Fibonacci spiral presents in nature, the show is an oddly sweet and gentle retelling of Turing’s spirals of brilliance and catastrophe. This show is a passion production by this company and a love letter to Turing and his life. If you are interested in a musical retelling of Turing’s life more richly nuanced than just the enigma machine then this is the show for you.
At Riverside Studios until 27 January
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
