Jon Osbaldeston, Louise Faulkner and Gwithian Evans in The Elephant Song, Park Theatre, Jan 2023. Photo: Giacomo Giannelli
Michael Aleen (Gwithian Evans) is a resident at a safe psychological hospital obsessive about elephants. He additionally appears to carry the important thing to understanding the disappearance of one of many psychiatrists, however can the hospital director Dr Greenberg (Jon Osbaldeston), consider what he says?
Nicolas Billon’s The Elephant music takes us via a recreation of cat and mouse as Dr Greenberg tries to speak Michael into revealing the knowledge he has.
Michael, together with his toy elephant all the time in his hand, is aware of the knowledge he has would possibly give him some leverage. He needs to depart the hospital.
Nurse Peterson (Louise Faulkner) warns Greenberg that Michael is manipulative. And Michael is, utilizing his eager, generally merciless, statement and sharp intelligence to his finest benefit.
He performs with Greenberg, telling half-truths and sowing seeds of doubt as if he’s having probably the most enjoyable he is had in a very long time, fuelled by a way of company that has lengthy been absent from his life.
But there are additionally hints at a damaged, weak particular person beneath as the reality behind his elephant obsession and childhood are revealed.
The forwards and backwards between Michael and Greenberg is gripping, the discourse twists and turns, avoiding cliche and sometimes stunning.
As a personality (not the efficiency), Nurse Peterson is the one disappointing notice. Her presence within the consulting room generally appeared contrived to offer a meatier position and a few gender stability, which is a disgrace.
Otherwise, The Elephant Song is properly written and carried out, sharp and sudden it lingers in your thoughts. I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
The Elephant Song, Park Theatre
Written by Nicolas Billon
Directed by Jason Moore
Running time 70 minutes with out an interval
The Elephant Song is reserving till 11 February; for extra data and to purchase tickets, go to Park Theatre’s web site.
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