Packed to the rafters with families, friends and picnics, the atmosphere at the charming Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester always feels special. Opening their 2024 season is a new adaptation of ‘The Gangs of New York’ by Kieran Lynn.
Based on Herbert Asbury’s 1928 book, it is more commonly known to people through the 2002 blockbuster film of the same name. Admittedly, never having watched the film, I had no idea what to expect. This can be a blessing or a curse in terms of expectations for any piece of theatre with well known source material. Luckily, this production knocked it out of the park!
We meet Irish immigrants John Morrissey (Oisin Thompson) and Hellcat Maggie (Hanora Kamen). Brimming with charm and charisma, Thompson steals the show with his depiction of John Morrissey endearing the audience to him from the very beginning. Craving acceptance in nineteenth-century New York is no mean feat. However when John falls for well-to-do Suzie Smith (Yolanda Ovide) he begins to find his feet in the Big Apple.
There is plenty of humour and heart in the script, as different sets of unlikely lovers find each other. However, the show is not shy in tackling more contentious issues like racism, violence and corruption. This careful balance is a complete success, and it is impossible not to get engrossed in the story. Realistic fight scenes are choreographed brilliantly by Kaitlin Howard, with audible gasps from audiences members heard around the auditorium. The feeling of authenticity throughout the show with these fight scenes juxtaposed against well thought-out set design and costuming means you are well and truly brought into the story.
The multitalented cast of fourteen actor-musicians are without a weak link, with a mixture of established and talented trainee actors. Open to the elements, they speak and play without the assistance of microphones, which has plagued some other outdoor productions I’ve seen previously. There was absolutely no risk of that here, with each and every member of the cast projecting their voices with clarity and conviction. In fact the lack of an electronic sound system added to the believability, grittiness and authenticity of the production.
The intimacy of the 535 capacity venue was somewhat bought to life by some uncredited ensemble characters… the audience! Audience participation can quite honestly make me cringe and can sometimes put me off when done wrong. Here however it was done brilliantly, with audience members collectively chanting along to support fighters in a boxing scene being a particular highlight. With flyers, flags and banners handed out to excited theatre goers, the palpable energy was incredible throughout.
With infectious energy, humour and grit, The Gangs of New York is a fantastic night out in a truly unique setting. It is on at Chester's Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre until 31 August 2024
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.
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