Review: MAD HOUSE, Ambassadors Theatre
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
You thought your family was complicated? Welcome to Mad House!
Theresa Rebeck’s new play is currently shouting down the walls of the Ambassadors Theatre, telling the story of a repugnant dying father (Bill Pullman) and his three squabbling, traumatised children; all there for the same reason, waiting for the reptile to die, whilst volleying bile at one another to pass the time. But when the facades drop, is there any love left there at all?
One thing that they can all agree on is that they want their father to hurry up and die already, but their motives aren’t all quite so succinct. Money? Relief? Freedom? It all comes out in the wash.
The show is led by Stranger Things David Harbour who plays the role of ex-mental patient and mother’s favourite, Michael. Harbour stomps around the stage like a modern day Lennie Small. His physical presence on stage isn’t the only impressive thing though. Whilst overtly emotional, there is a nuanced stroke to Harbour’s performance and you can’t help but feel for his character as the play progresses. A hard part to get right but Harbour absolutely nails it, and with perfect comedic timing.
Pullman plays the vile and vociferous Daniel with a gleeful rigour. Relishing in the pain he inflicts on his children with his words, he utters things throughout the piece that is sure to make every audience member flinch or groan.
Another stand out performance is Akiya Henry as health worker and unwilling mediator, Lillian. Henry gives a touching and thoughtful performance, with her character being the sanity that this crazy piece needs to stop it from tipping over the edge. Stephen Wight couldn’t have been a more perfect casting for Nedward. It sits so organically within him and whilst it’s never confirmed or denied if he is the middle child, he certainly gives middle child vibes!
Theresa Rebeck’s writing is modern, malicious, and steeped in subtext. We’ll definitely be at the front of the queue for her future shows; she’s a rare writer who is daring in her delivery.
There is so much to dissect and capture when watching this play. The direction from Moritz Von Stuelpnagel is engaging and intelligent. The energy as a whole is maintained well from every cast member and the set - designed by Frankie Bradshaw - is bang on the money. You are left wanting more, you want to know what happens next, you want to follow these characters journeys’ further.
When leaving the confinement of “the death house” in the second act, you get a less cluttered more open stage space, where we get to see the majority of our characters open up and become a lot more thoughtful and it gives the show a new perspective.
Does Mad House live up to its namesake? Yes it does. Is Mad House a must see? Absolutely. Contemporary theatre at its best. You’d be mad to miss it!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Edge
Mad House plays at the Ambassadors Theatre until 4 September, with tickets available here.
