London Tide, Ben Power’s new theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend, is an incredible work of art and an absolute triumph for the National Theatre. Directed by Ian Rickson and composed by PJ Harvey, this show cannot be missed! Bunny Christie’s ingenious set and costume design combined with Jack Knowles’ innovative lighting worked beautifully to evoke the feeling of the tide (something that would seem very difficult to do on a stage). In addition, the actors in the show were nothing short of spectacular, each offering a piece of their souls to the characters for the entire three hours.
The haunting music was also a standout part of the show. While not a musical, each song was carefully constructed to move the story along and offer a glimpse into the characters’ inner lives. Delivered by actors with a clear understanding of the intention behind each song, no musical moment felt unnatural or out of place. Not every note may have been pretty, but each note was perfect and necessary for conveying the depth of emotion. Ami Tredrea as Lizzie Hexam gave an incredible performance throughout the show and demonstrated her immense vocal talent through effortlessly navigating the various octave jumps and changes in style within each song.
In addition to the music, the set, lighting, and costume designs were extremely successful in evoking emotion and location. The moving battens and lights made for some unforgettable stage pictures, and they created a sense of the motion of a tidal wave. The moving stage floor was also used in particular moments to increase the feeling of uneasiness and the overwhelming power of the tide’s movement. Some of my favorite moments in this play were the result of the brilliant costume design. Christie uses color in extremely evocative ways to highlight moments of grief, fantasy, and reality, and the directorial choices regarding how certain costumes be handed off were clearly made with great care.
Seeing London Tide was one of the most powerful, raw, and wonderful theatrical experiences I’ve had. Each element of the show was planned meticulously, in coordination with others, to create a coherent piece with a strong vision. Shows like this remind me why I love theatre and want to pursue it, and I would recommend London Tide to anyone. You won’t regret it!!
Theatre in London U of A 