Review: THE GANGS OF NEW YORK, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Photo credit: Mark McNulty

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Grosvenor Park in Chester is a purpose-built theatre for the summer months where, for many years, audiences have been entertained and enthralled with a diverse offering of shows. With performances for every member of the family, this year’s offering sees performances of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Of Being Earnest, The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz and The Gangs Of New York.

The Gangs Of New York, based on the book by Herbert Asbury and adapted by Kieran Lynn, tells the story of the American Dream in 19th century New York City. John Morrissey (Oisín Thompson) and Hellcat Maggie (Hanora Kamen) are friends arriving in America from Ireland wishing for a better life. Morrissey, an ambitious immigrant, rises through the social hierarchy from a feared gang leader to a well-respected politician within a story of love, hate, corruption and power.

One of the impressive aspects about the original Storyhouse productions performed at the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre is that all performances are staged in-the-round. This not only makes the performances more accessible and immersive for audience members, but possesses a greater challenge for the creatives in how to stage the piece. With fast paced set changes taking us from the boxing ring in which Morrissey starts his social ascent to the polling booths where he wishes to become Senator, each scene despite the potential limitations on space are well thought out.

Each performance is captioned, which is a step in the right direction for greater accessibility for all. Due to the nature of an outside theatre, at times it is extremely difficult to hear what is being said, particularly in the musical numbers. The cast do their best to project their lines but with planes flying overhead, seagulls squawking, babies crying and drinks flowing throughout, it is very difficult to hear. The captioning is an important feature in order to follow the story thoroughly, however microphones may have been beneficial to further inclusivity.

Having never seen the 2002 star studded blockbuster hit, there is no comparison to be made other than this incarnation of the production and thankfully, this is a hit on its own merit. Whilst the story naturally focuses on the injustice in society and prejudices against immigration at the time the piece is set in, the script is also bound full of genuine comedic moments. Direction by John Young allows audience participation, which brings a light heartedness to this violent tale with several moments of hilarious involvement. Beware, however, if seated in the front few rows, you will be involved in the action in more ways than one. Whilst this information may make audience members anxious, it genuinely is welcomed by most and embraced by all, especially by those who managed to stay dry!

This adaptation tells of two love stories intertwined with one another. Morrissey, our Irish immigrant on the rise, and Suzie Smith (Yolanda Ovide), a young lady from a rich family who aspires to be more than what she currently is. Similarly Maggie, the Irish professional pickpocket, and Lew Baker (Lucas Button), the bent English police officer, embark on a forbidden relationship. A true tale of lovers from either side of the spectrum of social class.

At the core of The Gangs Of New York are multi-talented actor-musicians who double up in these roles as the action unfolds. Thompson leads the pack with a charismatic Irish charm throughout as our leading man, whilst striking up a believable and touching relationship opposite Yolanda Ovide. Kamen is the main source of comedy with dead beat one-liners and brashness delivered impeccably throughout. Button excels as the troubled police officer, not knowing what side to choose, with a fantastic rapport with Kamen. As an audience, you are invested in the characters and will them on as the story plays out. James Sheldon perhaps shines the brightest as ‘Bill The Butcher’ with his display of pure hatred for immigrants, which is extremely convincing. Notorious with the term ‘gangs’, you need to have intricate and believable fighting scenes to which they have an abundance. Fight and intimacy director Kaitlin Howard has clearly worked extremely hard on this with several punches thrown drawing gasps from the invested crowd.

Each year, actors in training from Storyhouse Young Company make their professional debuts as part of the summer season in Chester. Hannah Curtis, Francesca Davidson, Cai Gruffudd and Harry Peaker debut this year and play a variety of roles from boxers to police officers and newsies. Each brings their own identity to their roles and this is surely the start of prosperous careers for all.

The Gangs Of New York is a surprisingly fun night at the theatre and just like its core message, shouldn’t be judged by its ‘violent’ natured name. The violence in the piece plays out quite meticulously yet the production also thrives in its comedic love stories. Round up your gang, vote with your feet and head to Grosvenor Park, Chester as this is a summer’s evening you won’t want to miss.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jordan Potts

The Gangs of New York plays at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre until 31 August, with further info here.