‘Even Strangers Shake Hands’ – The Resurrectionist, Etcetera Theatre, London

I am delighted and fortunate enough that my website is starting to show interest to others, and along with my invite to see The Last Tango, I was also very happy to be invited to tonight’s viewing. So on Tuesday evening after a day of training I was off to London with Graham, and this time I was off to the Etcetera Theatre in Camden to see ‘The Resurrectionist.’ With Halloween fast approaching and also the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s novel ‘Frankenstein, it is a play to get you into the sprit for sure!

It is always amazing to see so many different types of Theatre’s within London. Tonight’s venue is situated above the pub The Queens Arms, on the high street of Camden, I have walked this street many times and this would be the first time I have had heard of this Theatre. Even after a delayed train due to a fallen tree, we made it to our seats sadly 5 mins late (lucky to have not missed too much of the story which I was thankful for) the theatre is very intimate with 4 rows of benches, they were very comfortable but the ones at the back were quite cosy (not that it was a issue being I was sitting next to Graham) but our view was great and we could see all that was going on without turning my head constantly.

Based on ‘true’ events in the stormy summer of 1816 in Switzerland, ‘The Resurrectionist’ is the story which influenced Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. We meet Lord Byron a desperate man refusing to accept the sudden/accidental death of his ‘beloved’ servant Blaize, and seeks the support of the enigmatic Victor Darvell, a reclusive scientist who has now been provided the oppourtunity to bring his research to an unusual and if what terrifying conclusion. Mary a young 18 year old girl finds herself drawn into the tragic and dark events which unfolds within the Darvell Gloomy Castle that overlooks the shores of Lake Geneva.

I was very intrigued by this story, was it going to be scary, jumpy, loud? Frankenstein was very much a horror film/book but I was very taken back at what I was viewing, you could see why it influenced the novel during many moments within the play, but it was such a different and calming take, which I loved completely, and the cast tell the story so well that even the following day it continued to pick at my brain.

Blaize the servant that gets brought back to life is played by Tom Everatt, who portrays the likes of that of a child within his character, althought fully grown when brought back he is stripped of his memories not knowing who is was, or what he was. He now in ways has a second chance in life, learning everything again for the first time, finding every little thing fascinating such as a chess piece (something we as humans sometimes take for granted) but also he gains the knowledge, and education that he was denied in his past. Although he is contained within the walls of the castle for his protection from others, something he never truley understands, he seeks acceptance of those who were around him, but also love, (which we learn is something he did have in the past with Lord Byron) do you see the similarities forming? I loved the way Tom portrayed Blaize he in ways had the audience falling in love with him, and throughout sympathising. But also his softness towards others, and he goes on to influence those around him through his innocence.

Blaize is supported and guided by others around him that supported with the revival of his new second life. Victor the scientist played by Peter Dewhurst is the brains behind Blaize’s new exsistance, at first we see him as a cold and hard character, excited to be able to bring his research to a conclusion, and succeeded, but also throughout the play you see him soften and learn more about the reason why he is the way he is. We learn that he is a orphan with his family passing when he was young and now alone at his property you could then understand why bringing those back to life is important to him, so those in the world would not go through what he went through, and have that feeling of pain from loss, and heartache. Blaize brings out him a softer side, and although he denys being Blaize’s father towards the end he would do anything to protect him, and maybe he did see Blaize as his son. Peter was a very strong character in his role, who we see changes as he starts to care which was portrayed brilliantly throughout.

Mary Shelley tonight was played by Samantha Kamras, the only female within the play, she showed true power, yet vulnerable young girl, in some ways she maybe should not have been their the night that Blaize was revived. But she was, and in doing so also became infused with Blaize providing him with friendship, and standing up for him when needed the most. It was hard to watch when she turned away from Blaize when he wanted her affection, it wasn’t easy on her and maybe in ways through the friendship she may have felt it too, you could see this by the way she takes his hand in the end. At Times their relationship and predicament reminded that of Marge Kendrall, and John Merrick’s in the Elephant Man, ‘People are Frightened by what they don’t understand.’ It is something you see throughout within Mary, and you can see how her story of Frankenstein reflects in Blaize story in honour of him. Displaying maybe she did love him in some ways.

This play I could watch over and over again, cause I feel as though each time I would learn something new each time. It is a strong piece with a powerful meaning, that is displayed beautifully throughout the performance, and something to be proud of. It is currently playing till the 9th October at the Etecetra Theatre for Tickets Here. For those who love to see something different and unique this is one for you, and I am very thankful for the invite.

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