“A talented and diverse cast that bring significant energy and commitment to their roles” by Sebastian Purcell
The Grinning Man is strange tale of otherness, diversity and forgiveness. The Australian production, directed by Miranda Middleton, is the first English language production outside the UK and should be commended for drawing together a talented and diverse cast that bring significant energy and commitment to their roles.
As a strange new act arrives at Trafalgar Square, Grinpayne (Maxwell Simon) explores his traumatic past to uncover how his disfigurement came to be, who was responsible and who around hm he can trust and ultimately call his family.
The exuberant performances of Barkilphedro (Jennifer Vuletic), Princess Josiana (Melanie Bird), and Lord Dirry- Moir (Anthony Criag), demonstrate the best of Middleton’s direction. The expert dramatization, audience engagement and well placed use of profanity creates laughter and light that is well needed to offset the darker moments of Grinpayne’s story. Maxwell puts his all into a commanding performance but I found that character of Grinpayne doesn’t quite reach the complex dimensions of stories with similar characters, such as Jekyll and Hyde.
Freya List’s choreography hits its highest point as Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward brings Mojo the Wolf to life in a combination of movement and puppetry, and in their on-stage support of vision impaired actress Lily Cascun. I couldn’t help but wonder if the stage was too small for such a talented ensemble, and that a bigger space would allow them to seem less cramped.
Sophie Woodard’s set is sparse, but cleverly uses platforms and curtains within the stage to differentiate key scenes and support the dark, gothic, painful life of Grinpayne. The overall sound direction is clear and crisp.
The cast are all accomplished performers and singers. In particular Melanie’s vocals are a delight. But like the character of Grinpayne, I found the music and lyrics to lack dynamics. Unfortunately I found it hard to walk away with a memorable tune; I would be curious to see how The Grinning Man would translate as a straight play rather than a musical.
The cast put a level of energy and passion into their performances that the two-hour run time, which felt relatively well paced.
Th Grinning Man plays at the Alex Theatre- St Kilda until 19 May.
Tickets : https://alextheatre.au/the-grinning-man/
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