The Tony Award winning play is making its West End debut but what does Emma Clarendon make of it?
The art of making music, passion, relationships and professional competitiveness all lie at the heart of David Adjmi’s play that has some brilliant characters – but it doesn’t quite go into enough depth as to what it is trying to say.
Set in a recording studio in the 1970’s the audience follows an American-British rock band as they attempt to make a new album. While things begin well, things soon take a downturn as relationships begin to fracture, tensions begin to rise and jealousy begins to emerge -will the album get made and what will the future of the band be?
What Daniel Aukin’s intimate production does reveal brilliantly is the creative tension that emerges in groups, all wanting to ensure that the album is absolutely perfect, but questions each member of said group’s motivations from a personal basis. It all feels extremely detailed from a music perspective that offers an insight into the music industry that perhaps audiences aren’t aware of – enhanced by the catchiness of Will Butler’s (formerly of Arcade Fire) songs that fit perfectly into the story unfolding. It is also interesting that you automatically think of Fleetwood Mac when you are watching this – even though you are aware this a fictional band on stage – enhanced by the harmonies of the extremely talented cast.
The main issue that I have (and I’m potentially in the minority here), is that it doesn’t feel as though the story is building to anywhere. Yes, we witness certain relationships breaking down (the scene in which Diana is criticised heavily by Peter for not hitting the right note is gut wrenching to witness in the second act) and there are flashes of misogyny that reflect the era but there doesn’t seem to be a powerful meaning to the end particularly given its extensive running time of over three hours . Perhaps it is a play that simply highlights that perhaps getting what you want isn’t always what you need – a bleak outcome but honest, particularly in one moment in which you see Simon getting consistently frustrated with the sound emerging on his drums.
On the other side of this, there is plenty to be enjoyed in terms of the characters that we meet along the way, getting to know their vulnerabilities which in many way brings them together as much as it drives them apart. There is a rawness to Adjmi’s script that is compelling in many ways – particularly as characters confront each other and creative jealousy begins to get in the way. In addition, the level of attention to detail through David Zinn’s scenic design, Enver Chakartash’s costume design and Ryna Rumery’s sound design ensures that the audience is swept effectively into both the era and the music industry.
The performances from the cast are all spot on, offering wonderful contrasts between the personalities to highlight the increasing tension and jealousy between all those involved. At the centre of it all, Jack Riddiford as Peter showcases the character’s increasing insecurities to prove himself really well- to the detriment of his relationship with Lucy’s Karczewski’s Diana who is eventually forced to fight back with some home truths. Riddiford showcases Peter’s jealousy of Diana’s songwriting abilities in a subtle but devastating way.
Meanwhile, Andrew R. Butler as Charlie and Eli. Gelb as Grover who find themselves caught up in the band’s fractious relationships add some much needed humour and warmth. The ever changing relationship between Zachary Hart’s struggling with sobriety Reg and Nia Towle’s Holly is painful but powerful to watch.
Overall, Stereophonic has plenty to recommend it, but I was just left wondering what it was trying to say – is it about the mental toll that the music industry can take? Or is it about the pressure of trying to be consistently creative and the impact on relationships? I’m not entirely sure, but it is entertaining in its own way and music fans will appreciate the insight into how a successful album can be made as showcased through a talented cast who need to make an album of their own!
By Emma Clarendon
Stereophonic continues to play at the Duke of York’s Theatre until the 20th September.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️