We round up the reviews for Jordan Luke Gage’s musical, playing at the theatre until the 4th July.
The Guardian: “Making a new musical is a monumental task. Redcliffe, directed by Paul Foster, has huge ambition in its scope and aesthetic. There’s still work to do, but our boys give their whole hearts to the story and earn ours along the way. The anguished love songs get a rockier twist as we hurtle towards the part of the story set down on paper, unearthed a few years ago by staff at Bristol Archives: two men, a witness, a valiant kiss on a hand. Through Redcliffe, Gage gives these wronged men another chance to live.”
1883 Magazine: “Redcliffe is a beautiful, moving, and important musical. Jordan Luke Gage has achieved something remarkable, not only creating a compelling new musical but also delivering a wonderful central performance. “
The Reviews Hub: “Redcliffe does not necessarily need its coda, in which actors break character to remind us that there are still 12 countries in which gay relationships are punishable by death. However unnecessary for the show, it is a valuable lesson to remember and encourages us, as Gage has done, to celebrate the stories of LGBTQ+ love and defiance that would otherwise be lost to history.”
London Theatre Reviews: “So, I heartily recommend you go on this journey for yourself – whether you are a lover of musical theatre (which constantly needs to be refreshed with high-quality new shows like this one), of historical drama, of love stories like this (not just between the two men, but within a resilient family unit), there is something here for you. Join the talented cast on this step of their journey – before it undoubtedly and deservedly takes the next step, to an even bigger stage.”
Musical Theatre Review: “Gage breaks our hearts with the reminder of how much this story still resonates today. Yet in the final scene, as Richard kisses William’s hand before they are “launched into eternity”, he also offers a glimmer of hope. Love and kindness endure, even in the face of hatred and intolerance. And perhaps that is what we have to hold on to.”
Theatre & Tonic: “There are a plethora (if you’ve seen the show you’ll know!) of reasons to see Redcliffe. It’s a real and important story, brilliantly staged and told with passion by a fantastic cast, with truly beautiful music. In telling the story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold, the show shines a light on how far we have come since the 18th Century, but also acts as a reminder that, in a world in which it is still illegal to be gay in 12 countries and LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under threat, we still have a long way to go. It’s a show that has a very bright future. Book a ticket now before they’re impossible to find.”
Theatre Vibe: “But here is the broader point, and it matters: at a moment when the West End is dominated by shows built on existing IP, Redcliffe arrives as something genuinely and stubbornly original. It is a new British musical, built on real history, with an authentic compositional voice, real emotional ambition, and performances of real quality. It deserves to be seen, supported, and talked about.”
Lou Reviews: “Despite the changes made to the story throughout, Redcliffe is a powerful drama about the persecution endured by the LGBTQ+ community across centuries. I saw audience members in tears and found the last shot exceptionally moving. Just one of many stories, but the stories need to continue being shared.”
Theatre South East: “Gut-wrenchingly beautiful, brilliantly performed, and written with a confidence that is astonishing for a debut — Redcliffe is theatre at its most powerful.”
Broadway World: “There is a strong musical somewhere in the lives of these men, and Gage’s sense of character and observational skills as a writer have laid strong foundations. But to really stand out among other historical musicals, Redcliffe needs to have something specific to say about these particular men and their community, rather than vaguely gesturing at homophobia as a problem.”
London Theatre 1: “This is an impressive writing debut from Jordan Luke Gage at a time when the rights and civil liberties of the LGBT+ community are, to some extent, experiencing pushback. With a full range of human emotion on display, there’s plenty of heart and soul in this captivating and compelling production.”
Musical Manda: “This musical and many others like it stands to remember those who came before and to let their stories be heard. For anyone wanting to see an emotional, true and often funny new musical then Redcliffe is certainly hits the mark.”
Theatre Weekly: “All in all, Redcliffe is a production that has it all to do but sticks the landing. With assured performances and a magnificent creative team, Gage evokes a beautiful, joyous, and defiant spectacle from such a tragic event, and leaves the Southwark Playhouse Borough audience with hearts in pieces but smiles on their faces.”
All That Dazzles: “Director Paul Foster brings Gage’s vision to life at The Large in Southwark Playhouse Borough, maximising the intimacy through Andrew Exeter’s set design to ensure a real connection with the audience.”
To book tickets visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/redcliffe/