Stalking the Bogeyman - Southwark Playhouse

[foxa]

I'm going to see the second preview of this tonight on the recommendation of an American friend.  For podcast lovers, it's partially based on an episode of 'This American Life.'


www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Gerard-McCarthy-to-Lead-UK-Premiere-of-STALKING-THE-BOGEYMAN-at-Southwark-Playhouse-20160712#

[firefingers]

I backed the original off Broadway run on kickstarter several years ago. Hopefully I will get to see it this side of the pond.

[joem]

Not an easy watch this in terms of subject matter, as the drying of eyes in some members of the audience evidence, especially in the first half but this play tackles the topic of child molestation - a euphemism for rape as the victim tells us - honestly, with no punches pulled.

In particular this play deals with how a victim confronts the event which has diminated, ruined his/her life and how they feel towards the perpetrator.

The cast work well together but Gerard McCarthy, as the victim, has a real tour de force. For a grown man to play a role which requires him to play the character when he is seven years old is not easy, except maybe in a farce. He pulls it off with great skill.

[Phantom of London]

Seeing this tonight, even though this is based on socials worst taboos, it's fascinating how the cast and director couch this very subject. How different isthis from last years excellent How I Learnt To Drive, which was on at the same venue.

For me the subject matter, gives extra resonants, as very ironically, last year just a few minutes walk away from this very theatre, I was on a jury that heard evidence and convicted on this very subject.