Montague’s Millions, Jack Studio Theatre Review
Photo by: Davor @ The Ocular Creative
Written by Penny for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The Jack Studio Theatre in Brockley, South East London, offers a Christmas production that is produced in-house. Following previous years that have seen critically acclaimed productions that have taken on classic and original festive stories, this year it is Montague’s Millions, a one act play that follows the fortunes of three strangers brought together to travel from London to Cornwall in order to find out what they have been left in the Will of an elusive millionaire. They have been told to tell nobody and to trust nobody.
Written by Luke Adamson, this new play sees three actors take on a number of roles in a style that is slightly reminiscent of The 39 Steps, with a thrilling mystery, some well written and delivered comedy and a rewarding final twist that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats as the action unfolds and our three strangers search for their destinies.
Director Kate Bannister uses the small staging area very well with furniture including benches, suitcases, tables and chairs used to create the play’s different locations to great effect – moving from individual dwellings to the night train to Penzance and beyond, with the actors moving the props and furniture around to create the various scenes. A train compartment door with its slowly moving blind is particularly effective. The action is accompanied by a soundtrack that includes mysterious background music as well as tunes that place us clearly within the play’s 1930s’ setting – adding to the build up of suspense and also helping to make the locations feel accessible and very normal. Sound effects from designers Matt Karmios and El Theodorou were extremely well done and added to the atmosphere of the piece without ever overwhelming the actors.
The cast of three actors play the main protagonists as well as supporting characters. They are instantly relatable in their main roles, all providing sympathetic back stories and breaking the fourth wall with the audience to provide narration of the story alongside their interactions as the characters within it.
Despite a few first night nerves that lead to some fluffed lines, the actors cover these minor mistakes with confidence and charm. Particularly impressive is Adam Elliott as Dr Gordon Henderson, also taking on other roles that provide a stark contrast with his main, slightly uptight character. He’s very strong when reacting to events, his facial expressions clearly showing his inner thoughts to the audience. Playing fellow travellers Lady Penelope Cunningham and dock worker James Macdonald, Julia Pagett and Tice Oakfield also bring distinct characters to their main and supporting roles, making the most of any opportunities to speak to the audience and share their inner monologues.
The running time of 90 minutes without interval could perhaps be cut down by 10-15 minutes as one obstacle too many towards the end that doesn’t add much to the story, but overall this is a fun fable that has a lovely message about family and belonging. It isn’t a typical Christmas play but its message is one that should resonate with anyone who enjoys a story that keeps you guessing, has a little bit of mystery, plenty of wit and an awful lot of heart.
Montague’s Millions runs at the Jack Studio Theatre until Saturday 4th January 2025. Find out more and book here.
★★★★