REVIEW: HOW TO BUILD A BETTER TULIP by Mark R Giesser at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 2 – 20 November 2022
‘thought-provoking entertainment’
Returning to Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Alces Theatre bring this modern take on Alexandre Dumas’ THE BLACK TULIP written and directed by Mark Giesser. Fans of Dumas’ novel will be immediately drawn into this story of two botanists who find themselves sharing the same greenhouse which sets up a rivalry between them. Audrey Braddock (Jill Greenacre) is growing maize whilst Adrian Vanderpol (Christopher Killik) is growing petunias. Both are soon shown to be secretly attempting to grow the perfect black tulip whilst being disturbed by the ghosts of their 17th century Dutch ancestors.
Other characters turning up in the story include the daughter of one of the scientists, a PHD student and a Sergeant. The story gets rather bizarre and a little muddy. Perhaps it would be clearer with more attentions to change of pace or if the story was told from one point of view. However, there are many fascinating historical details to absorb along with scientific facts. It also gives us something to think about, genetic engineering, our own complicated ancestry, and also about the human desire to leave a legacy through which we might be remembered.
The set design for the show (by Mollie Cheek) is an absolute stunner, with beautiful tulip tiles on the wall with plant shoots reaching upwards into the light. The occasional songs are also very pleasing (how I wished for more sound and music to accompany this show which sometimes felt a little bare). The actors worked well as an ensemble with Beth Burrows as the daughter, being a particular delight.
Come prepared to read the programme in preparation for absorbing the complicated plot and enjoying two hours of thought-provoking entertainment.
Read our interview with Beth Burrows here https://www.londonpubtheatres.com/interview-beth-burrows-on-how-to-build-a-better-tulip
Photography credit: Flavia Fraser-Cannon
Alces Productions presents
HOW TO BUILD A BETTER TULIP
Written and directed by Mark R Giesser
2 – 20 November
Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, N6 4BD
Tues – Sat, 7.30pm, matinees Sun 4pm & Sat 19th 3pm
£24 - £20 | www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com | 020 8340 3488
Reviewer: Heather Jeffery is Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine
We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication
A ONEOFF Special Award has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre