We take a look at what is being said about Michael Mckeever’s play, starring Tracie Bennett and John Partridge.
London Theatre Reviews: **** “With outstanding performances from Tracie Bennett and John Partridge leading the cast, this production is a must-see. The Code is funny, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful—a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how important it is to keep fighting for the freedom to be ourselves.”
The Arts Desk: ***** “The production, designed by Ethan Cheek, looks a million dollars, a study in sunset-peach blinds and modish white sofas, with all the deco chrome and glass trimmings of the era. Over the top of the set, a giant cutout reminds us where we are, a young blonde’s face peeping out of a backdrop of the Hollywoodland sign that originally looked over the city. Director Christopher Renshaw keeps all the elements of the plot buoyant without ramming home its topical message that “normal” is a straitjacket that punishes those who don’t fit its proscriptions.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** “The Code is more than a stylish period piece. It is a sharp, funny, and creeping reminder that behind every perfect Hollywood smile may lie a silenced truth. With Bennett’s powerhouse performance at its core, and a cast who rise to match her, this is not just one of the best plays of the year, it is essential and exciting theatre.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Though this evening takes place 75 years ago, the theme and conversation is still starkingly relevant, perhaps more so than it has been in a fair while given certain recent events. This contrast makes the impact of the writing all the more poignant.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “Written crisply and performed with flair, The Code trades heavily in showbiz gossip, most of which should by now be well known. However, there may be some who still buy into Hollywood myths, and this is certainly a play to open their eyes.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “Nick Blakely is entirely convincing as the unsavoury Willson, and Solomon Davy brings a realistic naïveté and vulnerability to his role. This stellar cast deliver the quick witted writing with both humour and intensity and are able to balance the two with apparent ease.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “A fascinating and timely piece, The Code is a stylish reminder that behind the glitz of Hollywood lies a world of secrets, sacrifices and survival.”
The Stage: **** “Vivid comedy-drama that lays bare the ugly truth behind Hollywood’s golden era.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “The themes of identity, sexuality and autonomous choice are as incredibly relevant today as they were in Hollywood in the 1950s and McKeever’s wonderful play acts as a reminder to keep being authentically you as the alternative could be far worse.”
West End Wilma: **** “The Code is a brilliant play with some superb acting that is a sad reflection on the state of the world today – told through a 1950’s lense.”
Broadway World: *** “The Code is a very artificial play in many ways. It gleefully regurgitates snark and gossip and treads a line where folks have to ‘put on a show’ within a show. It doesn’t always work. I couldn’t connect with the asides, and I felt there was a little too much exposition. But then I am aware of these people and what they represented. I have seen many Haines films. I know who Bankhead was.”
Theatre Cat: “McKeever’s script rather overuses the now too-fashionable word and idea of “authenticity”: being your total real self all the time, rather than merely demanding tolerance of private life and a lack of prurient stigma. But it strikes home in the dramatic setting; these men did suffer, were coerced. And there is a bracing healthiness in the Tallulah style of exuberant bisexual disgracefulness and support of gay friends. It’s a great evening, anyway: all four of the players – not least young Solomon Davy as handsome, ambitious, manipulated Chad – are spot-on. And you’ll remember Tracie Bennett’s wild serpentine Tallulah for a good while…”
To book tickets visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-code/