Nevermore

Nevermore, subtitled “The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe”, is a visually stunning, beautifully presented production from Grey Lantern Productions at Subiaco Arts Centre. The story of Poe’s life is told, in poetry highly reminiscent of his own cadence, in an excellent piece of shared storytelling, with events nicely enacted.

Performed in front of an onstage orchestra (who are excellent), there is little set to speak of, with the show relying on “ominous” and highly colourful evocative lighting (designed by director Lorna Mackie and achieved with Technical Manager Michael McAllan), and highly stylised costumes and makeup. Stunning costumes, designed by Therese Cruse, are ʼ meets Steampunk meets Nightmare Before Christmas, with the makeup, designed by Andrea Lim of Studio Ricecake, continuing the nightmare motif.

The seven strong performers also sing superbly, and while the songs are definitely not the type you will be humming on the way home, the vocal performances, under the guidance of Musical Director Maddison Mouilin, are very impressive, with complex harmonies and demanding ranges handled beautifully.

Central character, Edgar Allan Poe is played with depth and beautiful emotion by Cal Silberstein, anchoring the show with a characterisation that draws us close. The premise is that a group of travelling players meet Poe on a steamer and re-enact his life story - allowing for smooth transitions and for each performer to play many roles. Simon Brett delivers a good proportion of the narration and plays Rufus Griswald, with a delightful mean streak, among other roles. Daniel Burton portrays both Edgar’s biological and adoptive fathers, David Poe and Jock Allen - in a meaningful and heartbreaking doubling. Zac Bennet-McPhee is warm and likeable as Edgar’s older brother Henry. Charlotte Louise gives a heartbreaking performance as the doomed Eliza Poe, before bringing light to Edgar’s Aunt. Arianne Westcott-King plays a trio of women loved by Edgar, his sister, adoptive mother and young bride - beautiful as each while Erin Craddock is a delight as the beautifully morbid Elmira Royster - Edgar’s first romantic love.

This is first class ensemble work, with excellent teamwork and blocking. Anita Lawrence’s choreography is quirky and unique - some of the best this year - and is executed with precision.

This tight, impressive show runs for an extremely brief season- and word of mouth will ensure that this will sell-out. It is very much worth trying to get a ticket for this excellent production.

Kimberley Shaw