No blood but plenty of fire
- Gill Yardley
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill, at the Almieda Theatre, London. Running until 16 August. Directed by Rebecca Frecknall.
Review by Gill Yardley
On a barren farm in Connecticut, abandoned by her brothers and trapped with her drunken father, Josie Hogan dreams of more. Haunted by the death of his mother, James Tyrone Jr drinks in a spiral of guilt and shame to forget the pain, longing for connection. When the two are brought together, a single night reveals devastating truths and both will be altered forever.
It is hard to believe this theatre was once a Salvation Army Citadel, apart from the stage which is arc shaped like a nave at the back. I wonder how they would have felt about this Eugene O’Neill play, with his signature booze and abuse of the characters.
It is set on a tenanted farm in Connecticut; a junk yard cleverly set out with obstacles to confound and trip people up. This is a physical play and a joy to watch as the men particularly stumble over the piles of junk surrounding them.
David Threlfall, dubbed the Donegal Lark for his singing, by those who knew him well, plays an exceptional Phil Hogan, drinking and being abusively crafty in equal measure. Ruth Wilson, as his weary workworn daughter Josie, is in love with James Tyrone, played by Michael Shannon who knows he has power over her.
Her desperate desire to be loved by him turns into a selfish monologue about the death of his mother and how he might still be grieving for her. This is the point when you realise – (spoiler alert), there will not be a happy ending.
The lighting was exceptional, particularly the moon scenes, as it rose and moved over the whole Steptoe-like cheerless set.
One of my favourite lines was from father to daughter: “If I don’t get some breakfast soon there will be some excitement.”
I couldn’t wait!
Eugene O’Neill was such a clever wordsmith. See it, if you can. You won’t be sorry.
Limited tickets may still be available: https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/a-moon-for-the-misbegotten
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