Following the hugely successful film, John Boyne’s extraordinary novel of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has finally been adapted for stage. From the producers who have previously presented Goodnight Mister Tom and Swallows and Amazons, the format is identical and does not disappoint. It is an emotive tale of an unlikely friendship between two innocent boys. Set during World War II, the story is seen through the eyes of Bruno, the nine-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.
Robert Innes Hopkins set design is a stunning fusion of powerful imagery in two and three dimensions, expressed with artistic projections and simplistic scenery. Coupled with the authentic costume and Malcolm Rippeth’s lighting design this production has the perfect visual impact. Director Joe Murphy stages the action well but is challenged by Angus Johnson’s adaptation, which would be better suited to a television adaptation. The multitude of short scenes prevents real engagement with the characters and makes it hard to connect and develop the right level of empathy. The play is clearly aimed at the younger audience but it sometimes comes across as a little patronising when it absolutely doesn’t need to be.
The decision to use children, rather than adults portraying children, is questionable. Jabez Cheeseman, who played Bruno on the opening night, impressed with the immensity of dialogue that he delivered faultlessly and with such gusto, although he could have benefitted from clearer diction and more emotional connection at times. Colby Mulgrew’s stage experience, however, shone through with his interpretation of the tragic Shmuel. Ed Brody as the terrifying soldier, Kurt Kotler and Marianne Oldham who, as Bruno’s mother, undergoes a disturbing transformation, give particularly notable performances, as does Eleanor Thorn as Bruno’s sister, Gretel.
Ultimately, this is an incredible story and an inspired way to explore the horrors of war in a truly captivating way. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas runs until Saturday before continuing on tour and is definitely worth experiencing. ★★★☆☆ Rob Holcroft 12/03/12
