REVIEW: A Foray in Innocence by Ronan Colfer at Upstairs at the Gatehouse / Camden Fringe 15 – 19 August 2023

'It’s not easy to stage a 21st-century version of a Shakespearian epic, and Foray has yet to find a clear voice.‘

England, 1642: Richard III won the Battle of Bosworth Field, throwing a wrench into royal succession as we know it, and in this alternate-history Prince Jacob is now facing the realities of ruling. Meanwhile, the rebel Emilia plots to change her country for the better, and won’t shy away from what it takes.

The intricate historical timeline provided as part of this show’s flyer suggests that the playwright Ronan Colfer put a lot of care into plotting the mechanics of his what-if story. In an interview, he explained that he was trying to pay homage to epic, Shakespearian storytelling while remaining relatable to a modern audience.

But is this a farce, melodrama, tragedy or feminist alternate history? The tale of aristocrats versus commoners, men versus women, cynical schemers versus youthful rebels, could swing in any of these directions. Instead, it ends up being all and none.

Some of Colfer’s lines seem made for Restoration comedy.  Finding her opinions dismissed by the powerful men around her, the Queen Mother snipes:  “I shall return to my chambers and confine my tasks to waiting for death to release me from my misery.” Other lines could be a critique of tragic conventions: “There is always a better way to go about something than just die.”

But any of these genres would require an energy, clarity and even speed of delivery that are generally lacking here. There are some standout moments and characters: Dominic Carrington plays his youthful writer, for instance, with nuance and a deft sense of comic timing. I would usually flinch at a ballad dropped halfway into a production that features no previous use of song, but here Carrington’s good voice and sincerity provide a welcome change of pace. MK Rose is a convincing down-to-earth aunt, Sam Wright has some nice, tightly wound moments as the man who betrays his friend out of populist principle.

Akil Young and Georgie Simson, as the (anti-)heroes at the story’s heart, are likeable and earnest, but their arcs require more grit and drive. Colfer himself plays the ill-fated faithful servant, Charles.

Director Liam Rear comes from a film background, which may explain the underplayed nature of most scenes, but the start-and-stop staging drained the show of energy.

Particularly uncomfortable was the production’s repeated lip-service to feminist themes—Simson’s Emilia being praised for her courage, “a lone woman, looking to overthrow the establishment by yourself”—while relegating most of the remaining female characters to seducing and fawning over the men.

It’s not easy to stage a 21st-century version of a Shakespearian epic, and Foray has yet to find a clear voice.

 

A Foray in Innocence

Upstairs at the Gatehouse

15 – 19 August 2023

Box Office: https://camdenfringe.com/events/a-foray-in-innocence-feature-play/

Cast

Prince/King Jacob - Akil Young

Emilia Turner - Georgie Simson

George Brooks - Dominic Carrington

Queen Mother Beatrice - Arabella Lindsay

Philip Corsworth - Peter York

Charles Ferringail - Ronan Colfer

Aunt Helen / Lady of the Court - MK Rose

Molly Fisher - Daniela Leone

Marcus Thornton - Sam Wright

Housley - Miles Anthony

Fred the Guard - Thomas Witcomb

Production Team

Director - Liam Rear

Costume & Set Designer - Sarah Brittain Edwards

Playwright / Producer - Ronan Colfer

Stage Manager - Sofia Dork

Sounds Designer - Jasmine Fuller

Costume Assistant - Charlotte Smeulders

Reviewed by Anna Clart