Joe Douglas, artistic director, makes his directorial debut
at The Live Theatre with Clear White Light. Based on the gothic short story,
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, and inspired by the songs of
Alun Hull from Lindisfarne it is set in the psychiatric hospital where Alun
Hull once worked.
Following the journey of Alison, Bryony Corrigan, as she
begins a student placement on a nightshift in an all-male ward, she is mentored
by Rod, Joe Caffrey, who shows her the ropes. As they get to know each other we
learn just enough about their lives which also includes many hints to the
strains and underfunding of the NHS. The music is a major part of this
production and was one of the main catalysts in its creation. The music appears
to inexplicably intertwine the story. Sung by Maddie, Charlie Hardwick, appears
in a range of wonderful costumes, singing with great passion. The rest of the
cast are made up of actor musicians Phil Adele, Alice Blundell and Dale Jewitt,
with Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlow as musical directors also playing live on
stage, Billy also took on the role of one of the patients.
There is a disjointed feel to the 2
nd act which adds
to the intensity of the psychotic episode that follows, where suddenly soon
after everything becomes clearer. The lighting and sound effects perfectly
create the gothic horror feel of the piece.
Charlie Hardwick is a delight to watch, her performance is a
mix of psychosis to hippy freedom. Joe Caffrey yet again shows what an immensely
powerful actor he is. The connection between Bryony Corrigan and Joe Caffrey develops
perfectly throughout. The emotional impact Bryony delivers on her journey is sublime
to watch.
This production has been many years in the making and it has
been well worth the wait. As this run is already fully sold out, these must be
the most sought-after theatre tickets this Halloween, I just hope it tours or
returns in the future.
Joe Douglas, artistic director, makes his directorial debut
at The Live Theatre with Clear White Light. Based on the gothic short story,
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, and inspired by the songs of
Alun Hull from Lindisfarne it is set in the psychiatric hospital where Alun
Hull once worked. 
Following the journey of Alison, Bryony Corrigan, as she
begins a student placement on a nightshift in an all-male ward, she is mentored
by Rod, Joe Caffrey, who shows her the ropes. As they get to know each other we
learn just enough about their lives which also includes many hints to the
strains and underfunding of the NHS. The music is a major part of this
production and was one of the main catalysts in its creation. The music appears
to inexplicably intertwine the story. Sung by Maddie, Charlie Hardwick, appears
in a range of wonderful costumes, singing with great passion. The rest of the
cast are made up of actor musicians Phil Adele, Alice Blundell and Dale Jewitt,
with Billy Mitchell and Ray Laidlow as musical directors also playing live on
stage, Billy also took on the role of one of the patients.
There is a disjointed feel to the 2nd act which adds
to the intensity of the psychotic episode that follows, where suddenly soon
after everything becomes clearer. The lighting and sound effects perfectly
create the gothic horror feel of the piece. 
Charlie Hardwick is a delight to watch, her performance is a
mix of psychosis to hippy freedom. Joe Caffrey yet again shows what an immensely
powerful actor he is. The connection between Bryony Corrigan and Joe Caffrey develops
perfectly throughout. The emotional impact Bryony delivers on her journey is sublime
to watch.
This production has been many years in the making and it has
been well worth the wait. As this run is already fully sold out, these must be
the most sought-after theatre tickets this Halloween, I just hope it tours or
returns in the future.
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