REVIEW: CANDY at Old Red Lion Theatre 27 – 31 August 2024

"An interesting proposal that doesn’t deliver the necessary punch” ★★½

“Candy” the stage adaptation of Luke Davies' novel Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction offers an intriguing yet uneven exploration of a complex love story marred by addiction. Set in 1980s Sydney, the narrative follows the tumultuous relationship between Candy and Dan, who quickly fall into the grip of heroin.

This production succeeds in bringing the novel's evocative scenes to life, though it faces challenges inherent in translating a story with strong cinematic roots to the stage. The design elements, thoughtfully crafted by Satvinder Bahra, are particularly striking, with the wall adorned with quotes from the book serving as a commendable effort to immerse the audience in the story’s world.

Freya James delivers a standout performance as Candy, capturing the essence of a woman consumed by addiction with depth and nuance. However, Kyle Malan’s portrayal of Dan doesn’t fully resonate, possibly due to his dual role as both the character and the narrator, which may dilute the impact of his performance. In contrast, Conor Craig-Stephens and Bridget Benstead bring a powerful presence to the stage, convincingly embodying all their characters' struggles and adding a layer of gravitas that sometimes overshadows the leads.

The pacing of the play could benefit from tighter transitions. At times, the scene-setting feels prolonged, and the overall rhythm of the production lacks the urgency that such a gritty story demands. The lighting and music, while functional, might need a more dynamic approach to effectively convey the gravity of the narrative. The lighting design appears somewhat flat, and the music does not always enhance the emotional weight of the scenes.

Although the play's length extends beyond the advertised 75 minutes to 95 minutes, the extra time does not necessarily translate into a deeper exploration of the story. The adaptation’s struggle to capture the novel’s intensity results in a production that, while visually appealing, falls short of delivering the emotional punch that such a heavy topic warrants. The experience may remind some viewers of Requiem for a Dream, but it lacks the same visceral impact.

In summary, this stage adaptation of Candy demonstrates significant potential, with strong performances and thoughtful design choices. However, it would benefit from a more focused execution to fully engage with the dark and powerful themes at its core. With some adjustments, it could achieve the intensity and depth that this gritty story deserves.

Tuesday 27th - 31st August 2024- 7.30 pm at Old Red Lion Theatre

Performers: Kyle Malan, Freya James, Conor Craig-Stephens, Bridget Benstead

Author: Luke Davies

Adapting Writer/Director: Kate Elliott

Set Designer/Wardrobe: Satvinder Bahra