★★★★★
Redcliffe, now showing at Southwark Playhouse Borough, is a beautiful testament to Jordan Luke Gage’s craft – the fruits of his labour really pay off in this heart-wrenching musical he wrote and stars in about forbidden love in 18th-century England. Both deeply personal and historically resonant, it is a production that lingers long after the final curtain.
Told across two well-balanced acts, the musical depicts the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol, and their persecution for engaging in homosexual acts. The story unfolds with sensitivity and care, never shying away from the harsh realities faced by the pair while ensuring their humanity remains at the forefront.
Gage (of whom I was already a fan from his Titanique stint) delivers a stunning portrayal of Critchard – earnest, vulnerable, solemn, and endearing all at once. He finds his match in his co-star, Daniel Krikler, who plays his lover, Navy sailor Arnold. Their chemistry is palpable and drives the narrative home, grounding the emotional stakes of the piece in a relationship that feels entirely authentic. Every single cast member’s performance was a tour de force that helped drive the story forward – special mention goes to Steven Serlin, whose villainous portrayal of an officer has the audience recoil, and Rebecca Lock’s nuanced take on a no-nonsense, fiercely devoted mother.
The original music was also a stunning credit to Gage’s talent. Richly emotional and thoughtfully woven into the narrative, the score heightens both the intimacy of the central romance and the devastating weight of the story’s darker moments.
The storytelling succeeds in conveying the tragic universality of persecution against the LGBTQ+ community. One doomed couple’s fate in 1750s Bristol is just one story of many, and today, there are still 12 countries that impose or allow the death penalty for consensual same-sex sexual activity.
Redcliffe reminds audiences why these stories must continue to be told. Everyone should come see this breathtaking musical about one of Britain’s darker chapters – a moving, important, and ultimately unforgettable piece of theatre.
Redcliffe runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Large) until July 4.
JADAR 