REVIEW: PUT OUT HIS EYES by Michael Hajiantonis at Lion & Unicorn Theatre 28 Jan - 1 Feb 2025

‘an ambitious debut production for this company’

This debut production from View From the Top Theatre, has some interesting ideas but the execution has some way to go. Billed as ‘a modern fairytale about class, crisis and power’ this company are to be commended for their ambition. 

The story begins with the princess and a peasant escaping their besieged city, to a cave which offers a view of what is happening to the ‘Founders’ metropolis below.  The pair are ill suited company as class differences mean that the imperious Princess is disgusted by her companion. In an attempt to undo the social conventions, the peasant, at first obsequious, tries to inveigle himself and gain power over the displaced Princess. Except, all is not what it seems, and in a series of twists, some unsettling truths are revealed, casting them both as villains. 

There is much potential for power play in this two hander and when executed really well, this could prove to be fascinating viewing.   The ‘modern’ aspect of the play seems to refer to the female having the upper hand in the long term.  That is, of course, refreshing. There are also some acutely observed moments in the play, revealing expectations of social norms but it feels a lost opportunity that these are rarely subverted.  On the other hand, the story stays true to Hans Anderson or Grimm tales, it is very dark, and foreboding, but, if there is a lesson to be learnt here, it is a little lost. 

The staging, a couple of curtains with a black disk behind it, created an arbour ripe for intimacy or secrecy, but this was not used at all, making this part of the stage completely redundant. The sound was also a little disappointing, as it sounded more like bad weather, or at best, the crackle of a bonfire, rather than the sacking of a city and the panic below. 

Having said that, Hannah Omisore, as the Princess gave a finely tuned performance, very committed to the play. There is plenty of potential here, it’s early days for this company and we shall look forward to seeing their development. 

PUT OUT HIS EYES at Lion and Unicorn Theatre

Ticket link: https://www.thelionandunicorntheatre

Director: Michael Zwiauer

Assistant Director: Domi Ucar

Producer: Aspen Pattinson

Written by: Michael Hajiantonis

Starring: Hannah Omisore, Daniel Morris