A challenging and difficult piece of theatre – in the most important way.
Thief by Liam Rudden is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a run at the newly established Stage Door Theatre on Drury Lane. A one man 60 minute show about darkness and manipulation feels strangely at odds with the venue, which actually helps heighten the uncomfortability.
Sailor (Lee Fanning) is inspired by the astonishing life of vagabond Jean Genet, with pockets of truth and lashings of research, Rudden brings us a narrative that grips and shocks.
Sailor tells us of his unfortunate life, a life that led to pleasure in darkness, in pain, in violence and along the way we are confronted with our own need to watch. One of the first lines challenges the audience on their need to view the macabre, and when I think of the unethical but clickbait worthy tv shows and interviews currently airing, it reminds me why challenging theatre is important. To illuminate such issues.
Fanning is beguiling and repulsive in equal measure, from his grotesque masterbating to self harm, he is at his best when we glimpse the vulnerability under the bluster. His final monologue, whimpering to be held, is truly where he shines.
Throughout the lighting from Richard Lambert adds to the intense darkness of the piece although I was left wanting in the final moments, where the hazy lighting obscured the stunning performance.
There are moments where Fanning loses us, mainly in the aggressive shouting which seems under motivated, particularly when impersonating characters where it becomes just loud. Additionally there are some details which distract, including the beautiful gold necklace which remains around his neck while in prison and the anachronistic costume.
What I will add was that it was hard for me to write this review with nuance because, as someone with PTSD I was triggered by the opening scene and multiple rape enactions. Theatre indeed should be difficult but it should be accessible, meaning when it comes to warnings Nudity and Adult situations doesn’t quite cover it.