This was my first visit to Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats (or
New Islington if you want to be posh!), and I wasn’t expecting that much from
such an unassuming exterior, but as you walk through the door into the cosy and
welcoming bar area you begin to realise that your preconceptions have been very
much misplaced! That theme of confounding my expectations continued with the
reason for my visit, a new production of the musical Parade, which completely
blew me away; so much so that I was back seeing it for a second time three days
later!
The story is extremely moving and powerful and is based on
true events. In 1913 in Atlanta, Georgia a young factory girl, Mary Phagan, is
found brutally murdered. The quest for someone to punish overpowers the need
for truth and the finger of blame points at factory supervisor Leo Frank, a
Yankee and a Jew so a convenient scapegoat for the racist attitudes still embedded
in the southern states. The subsequent framing of this outsider, and the
attempts by him and his loyal wife Lucille, to fight back, make for troubling
and deeply moving viewing as the piece progresses to its heartbreakingly
inevitable conclusion against this background of hatred, intolerance and
political posturing.
Director James Baker has brought together an amazingly
talented team to create this production. Whilst the Hope Mill space is
relatively small and intimate, there is nothing small scale about this show and
the quality of every aspect of it was outstanding. Goodness knows how you
deliver to this level on a limited budget, I suspect via many talented and
dedicated people and a lot of time and effort, but it is all worth it.
The set is pared back but very effective, largely wooden
pallet based which blended beautifully with the exposed brickwork of the mill.
The lighting design was beautiful, partnering the stage action to great effect.
A live nine piece band had somehow also been squeezed into the space, which,
when combined with the powerful and gorgeous voices of the talented cast, could
have happily filled a larger venue, although I felt the sound design worked
brilliantly for me with a good balance across the space.
There is not a weak link amongst the supremely talented
cast, equally in terms of their vocal and acting performances. Matt Mills and
Shekinah McFarlane’s Act 2 opener, A Rumblin' and A Rollin' was a particular
highlight, allowing both of their voices to shine. Andrew Gallo as the slimy
prosecutor Dorsey did an excellent job at making you hate him as his chose
ambition over the truth, and Aiden Banyard as the Young Soldier and Frankie
gave a particularly fine performance.
Tom Lloyd, in the central role of Leo was superb. It’s a
complex character to portray as his character goes through one of the biggest
journeys, but he balances the pride, initial indignation, growing fear and
disbelief, and the deepening admiration and love for his wife fantastically
well.
Laura Harrison, as his brave and determined wife Lucille was
simply stunning. She has a clarity in her powerful voice that is just
beautiful, and her portrayal of her characters emotional journey was
exceptional.
The choice of production was excellent, a challenging,
complex tale full of prejudice and politics that sticks with you long after the
music has stopped. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this production had a life
beyond Hope Mill but I feel very privileged to have seen it there. The intimacy
of the space heightened the sense of involvement; you felt quite helpless
watching the awful injustice unfold and being powerless to stop it. It was
totally gripping from start to finish, and, whilst I held it together on first
viewing despite being a bit of an emotional wreck, on second viewing they got
me and I was a total blubbing wreck in the front row during Leo and Lucille’s final
duet!
Deserved standing ovations have followed every performance
in this limited run. Due to demand the production has now been extended to the
11th June and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. A superb achievement
from all involved.
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