John Partridge and Tracie Bennett in The Code. Photo by Danny Kaan.

Written by Adam Ryan for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Hollywood “is a cesspool, darling. Beautifully lit, well appointed. But a cesspool nonetheless.” ‘The Code’, by Michael McKeever, gives a glimpse at the dark underbelly of Hollywood in the 1950’s. It tells the tale of an evening shared by film stars Billy Haines and Tallulah Bankhead, agent Henry Willson and young actor Chad Manford. A tale of what lies behind the glitz and glamour of the famous hills of LA.

Fading star turned interior designer Billy Haines (John Partridge) is hosting his friend, the scandalous actress, Tallulah Bankhead (Tracie Bennett), for a drink before an industry event when power agent Henry Willson (Nick Blakeley) arrives with his star-to-be protege Chad Manford (Solomon Davy). Talk soon turns to ‘the code’ and being the perfect film star and Henry’s motive for bringing Chad to meet Billy. Billy, Henry and Tallulah all have opinions on who Chad should be in Hollywood. Should he be able to live as his true, authentic self or as a perfectly crafted figure made by those around him? Henry wants Chad to see that Billy’s choices made him lose his career but Billy knows there is much more to life than Hollywood superstardom. The question is, which way will Chad go? ‘The code’ was very cut and dry. Sexuality in the entertainment industry has always been a hot topic and those at the top and in the church had an idea of what your sexuality should be. A theme that is ever relevant today.

McKeever’s writing is witty and cutting and serious in all the right places and paired with Christopher Renshaw’s direction, ‘The Code’ is a hit. At no point did the play drag. And the moments in which Tallulah Bankhead breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience worked really well. Our guide to the real Hollywood, if you like. Of course, the highlight was the powerhouse talent on stage. Tracie Bennett was devilishly brilliant as Bankhead. Dry and sarcastic and outrageously funny. She captivated the audience from her first entrance. John Partridge was a wonderful Billy Haines, full of charisma and warmth. Just so incredibly likeable. Henry Willson, played by Nick Blakeley, was the polar opposite of Haines. Cold and calculating. He made everyone's skin crawl. Blakeley did a splendid job bringing Willson to life. Solomon Davy was tremendous as Chad Manford. He was full of life and love and naivety. You couldn’t help but feel for him when Willson was exacting his worst. Davy was a joy to watch.

Transporting a room full of expectant people back to 1950 is a hard task indeed but with the wonderful talents of set and costume designer Ethan Cheek it was accomplished with ease. The space was chic and classy, exactly what you’d expect from the home of an interior designer. The costumes added a real touch of glamour. All of the optics helped to hide the darker and grubbier side of Tinseltown. That darker side is exactly the focus of ‘The Code’. A set of rules that a film star must abide by to get anywhere in an already cutthroat and ruthless industry. Ultimately, Manford made his choice. But was it the right one? That’s for a different story. The themes of identity, sexuality and autonomous choice are as incredibly relevant today as they were in Hollywood in the 1950s and McKeever’s wonderful play acts as a reminder to keep being authentically you as the alternative could be far worse.

‘The Code’ runs at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 11th October 2025

★★★★

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