Review: HYMN, Almeida Theatre (Online)
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Streaming live from the Almeida due to ongoing government restrictions on live entertainment, Lolita Chakrabarti’s new play Hymn receives its first stage outing this week at the London venue.
A two-hander starring Adrian Lester and Danny Sapani as Gilbert and Benny respectively, the piece follows two strangers who meet at a funeral, only to find they share much more than they realised: their recently deceased father.
A long rectangular thrust playing space protrudes into the auditorium like a catwalk, with a piano sitting against the upstage wall; a constant reminder of the musical thread running through this performance. Whilst limited in width, the two actors manage to remain socially distanced throughout.
The simplicity of Miriam Buether’s set and costume design makes for a very natural and realistic environment, matching the performance style. Prema Mehta’s lighting echos the mood effectively, with lovely use of silhouettes in scene transitions. The design perhaps doesn’t get its true chance to shine due to the large amounts of mid and close up shots but what is shown is excellent.
Directed by Blanche McIntyre, the two men take very different journeys in the piece, with one starting in the position that the other ends up in. In the opening scene, Benny’s monologue is fuelled by alcohol, which clearly demonstrates his troubled state. Following this, Benny merges into the following scene whereby Gilbert’s opening speech is a eulogy at his Father’s funeral. Although this comes from a vulnerable place, Lester still presents his character as a strong, solid and aspirational man.
Upon revelations that the men are actually half-brothers, their relationship develops. Being virtually the same age also means they have plenty in common; most notably, music. D.J. Walde’s musical direction oversees the performers vocals, which come from a natural place but has some beautiful harmonies showcased during Bill Withers ‘Lean On Me’, with Lester also expertly playing the piano introduction.
The music is well placed and assists in moving the story forward. This appears to be the overwhelming factor in strengthening their bond and the scene in the attic on Benny’s 50th is particularly heartwarming. It brings out a playful side in both characters and there is a lovely movement section to Jamie Cullum’s jazzy version of ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ when they mirror each other. This is a pivotal point in the play where the men almost swap roles.
Lester and Sapani are the perfect pairing as they both have a depth of performance that emanates from behind the eyes, and they have an easy brotherly chemistry onstage.
A wonderful exploration of what it takes to be a good man, anchored by two flawless performances.
****’ Four and a half stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Hymn is available to live stream until Sunday 21 February here.
