| A perfect introduction to a flawed hero |
At Wales Theatre Company |
| Wales Theatre Company- the Contender , Swansea Grand Theatre , April 30, 2007 |
After months of anticipation, Mal Pope’s “Contender” was finally brought to the stage this week by Wales Theatre Company under the direction of Michael Bogdanov. The importance of telling the story of a Welsh hero is obvious – usually it is the American underdog we watch battle against all odds and adorn with praise. Yet the word “musical” seems to mix with the word “boxing” as well as “wrestling” goes with “ballet”. The essential element that makes this piece work, however, is that this is not a story about boxing, but one boxer, Tommy Farr, for whom music became a part of his life. Sean Crowley’s set was dominated by a boxing ring with the band placed stage right; a refreshing choice not to be hidden in the darkness of the pit as they are after all a huge part of the show. A projection screen replaced standard painted boards of scenery with photographs of places and faces - this took a while to get used to but was nonetheless an inventive take on setting. Honouring the period of Farr’s rise to fame, music often possessed the toe-tapping liveliness of the Charleston. “Poor, poor Tommy Farr” was a catchy little number with a playground taunt element that was a perfect introduction to our flawed hero. We next met Joby Churchill, “The Long John Silver of the Rhondda”, played by Peter Karrie. Churchill’s song was executed with expertise by the West End star who put across Pope’s often darkly comic lyrics to great effect; (Speaking of his leg), “When people ask me do I miss it, I say sometimes when I’m buying brand new shoes, I’ll ask for discount, they refuse.” Karrie was a magnificent presence throughout the show, his powerful voice standing strong against the rest of the cast in the finale. Tommy’s character was throughout never a likable one, nor was it meant to be, yet his dogged determination possessed a charisma that Mike Doyle captured with great spirit. Doyle’s boxing training in preparation for the show paid off and demonstrated his total dedication to the role of Tommy. Choreographer Anthony Williams combined dance and boxing; a strangely happy mix that fitted with the way boxers dart and duck in the ring. The dramatic possibilities of Farr’s life story were chosen with skill and played out to their full potential. Particularly effective was the event of Farr losing to Joe Lois. Here the projection screen was put to its best use as the audience were drawn into footage of the fight, sharing the disappointment of Tommy and his supporters. As well as Churchill, the play is full of fantastically colourful characters such as Don Gambaccini, played with humorous charm by Phylip Harries, and the glamorous, brazen New York gal Mimi Fontaine, played to perfection by Sam Taylor Martin. Ieuan Rhys as the Marquis of Bath also had some scene-stealing moments, while Llinos Daniel as society girl Monty, had the strength and poise to stand up against Doyle’s Tommy. Complete with the Welsh national anthem, Pope’s patriotic take on the Rhondda icon won the audience over and deserved the standing ovation it received. I’ve been trying to avoid closing with this cliché, however it’s undeniable that “Contender” shall continue to be a knockout success. The Sherman Theatre Cardiff is the show’s next location from 8th May- 12th May, followed by Venue Cymru Llandudno, 15th May-19th May and Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Tuesday 22nd - Saturday 26th May. |
Reviewed by: Ella-Louise Gilbert |
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