Review: HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, Leeds Playhouse
Photo credit: The Other Richard
Hedwig and the Angry Inch first appeared in the UK 22 years ago, but her story remains as relevant today as it ever was. Probably more so!
With text by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, Hedwig is the story of Hansel Schmidt, a “slip of a girlyboy” growing up in East Berlin. After becoming Hedwig, she escapes communist Germany to Junction City, Kansas with her American Soldier husband, who leaves her on their first wedding anniversary for a man, as she watches the Berlin Wall fall on TV and she realises her sacrifice was for nothing!
She recovers by forming a rock band, The Angry Inch. Whilst babysitting she befriends the older brother of the child she is looking after, Tommy Speck, a misunderstood Christian teenager, and they collaborate on songs and begin a relationship.
Tommy Speck becomes Tommy Gnosis and a wildly successful rock star, whilst Hedwig is again left alone to play her music in coffee bars and dives and it is here that we hear Hedwig’s journey.
Divina De Campo is incredible as Hedwig. She was born to play this role, everything from her outstanding vocals, comic storytelling and her physical movement is Hedwig. We can’t think of anyone more suited to perform this role right now!
Ejijah Ferreira, making his professional debut, as Yitzhak is perfect as Hedwig’s meek husband, who has given up a career in drag to be with her. The height difference between the two performers highlighting Hedwig’s controlling behaviour, but the relationship between them also being playful, especially when performing together.
Supported by her band The Angry Inch, (Frances Bolley, Isis Dunthorne, Jess Williams and Musical Director Alex Beetschen), who not only play live, but are also part of her story., this production is non-stop entertainment from start to finish.
You will begin laughing at one line, whilst still recovering from the previous one!
However, it is a darkly humorous story of self-love. One that explores gender identity and acceptance through hard-hitting lyrics and honest observations.
Having the freedom to be who you want to be, whoever or whatever that might be is incredibly important in this world. Breaking the rules and challenging every single person to create an environment where everyone is valued and loved is vital and Hedwig invites us to be part of this.
Inspiring, heart wrenching and viable!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is at Leeds Playhouse until 23 April and HOME Manchester from 27 April until 11 May.