Review: LONGITUDE, Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Photo credit: Nicola Young Photography
Promising an epic voyage across time and space about betrayal, obsession and justice, and based on a true story (often a successful formula), this concept is absolutely brimming with potential but is this quest a success?
Longitude follows a simple 18th century clockmaker John Harrison on a mission to create an instrument that can measure longitude in return for a £20,000 prize. But unfortunately, this production does somewhat miss the mark.
To start with, the storytelling is a little disjointed, over explained and lacks a strong plot line. It is also repetitive as Harrison consistently returns to the ‘board of longitude’ to update on his development. Even by the end, it feels like there was no real conclusion, and the relationships are quite shallow. It feels as if the production doesn’t quite know where to place itself.
Firstly, its serious introduction into this true inventor’s story is compelling and powerful, with vivid portrayals of sailors lost at sea, strong vocals and Harrison’s obsession with longitude; then it loses itself as it tries to explore family dynamics, courtly rivalries and romantic sub-plots before finally becoming a comedic farce with a somewhat forced injection of humour, complete with pantomime villain.
The nine actors perform twenty-two songs, which are rather underwhelming, but there is an undeniable power when the cast sing in unison - most notably in ‘Lost’ and ‘We Will Find You Weary Travellers (Reprise)’. It often feels as though the lyrics over explain the action, one song in particular stands out as a bit childish when the Harrison siblings try to explain longitude like a primary school video.
Abigail Brodie plays a commanding Lord Anson, and a zany mad King George III. It is great to see casting of a gender swapped character. Liam Bradbury has great stage presence as Adam, with fine vocals. Alex Lynne plays the perfect knifing villain as Rev Nevil Maskelyne.
More could have been made of the set with the blocks, back projections and costumes conveying the illustrious visions of the world they are trying to convey, particularly as it is excitably billed as the “world premiere of a new musical with crashing waves, swelling music and an emotional storm”.
It is commendable to see a show dedicating 10% of its funds to charities, and is a nice touch to have RNLI welcome us at the door in full gear and be met with the Orpington Sea Cadets inside the theatre setting the atmosphere.
If this production was a voyage, we are not entirely certain that the ship would have stayed afloat.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Venecia Smith
Longitude plays Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 7 July, with further info here.
