Reviews

When it first appeared in 1958, Suddenly Last Summer, at 90 minutes, seemed so short that it had to be accompanied by another play by Tennessee Williams, Something Unspoken. Now, of course, it’s the perfect length, packed full of scandal and melodrama, including lobotomy, pederasty and cannibalism. It’s also ‘perhaps the most poetic play’ the great American playwright ever wrote, which for Williams is saying a lot.

There are goosebumps upon goosebumps and it isn’t the cold winter air. The chill in the air is a foreboding feel; shadows on a dimly lit stage; shadowy figures; haunting melodies. 

It is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This is Darkened Disney. 

Expect the awful side of humanity: religious extremism, racism, sexual predators, brutal treatment of minorities to throw a few out. It isn’t a show to skip along to with an expectation of  butterflies and glitter cannons. 

Today, the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car from the movie is privately owned in New Zealand. Lucky visitors to Camden glimpsed a pretty good replica on show these last couple of weeks, as one of the most recognisable cars with one of the most recognisable theme songs cruised around the stage courtesy of the Camden Musical Society and Director Kerrie Jiear.

The cast and music are ‘Simply the Best’ in a near faultless performance that propelled the audience to their feet.