REVIEW: SO HELP ME DOG by Dean Stalham at the Hen & Chickens 28 May – 15 June 2024

‘Having some fun at the expense of the class system, in Stalham’s courtroom drama which speculates about the ownership of art’ ★★★★

A rarely seen courtroom and prison drama which questions the value of art in the class system. Writer Dean Stalham has done time, and this play is based on his experiences. The first act presents the courtroom in which DANNY FRANKS (Kai Spellman) pleads his case to a jury and a hardnosed PROSECUTOR (Claire Marie Fox) and is found guilty as charged. The second act moves the action to Wandsworth prison where an unsympathetic SCREW (Gary Cain) tells him how it’s going to be. 

It's very much a play in the naturalistic mould, showing us how Danny got to this point, delving into family history, a working-class family with no trust in the education system, coping with deprivation and a lack of opportunity.  There is also unsettling family dynamics and his ADHD to deal with. Stalham’s play is firmly embedded in the attitudes of the 1970s. The period gives credence to the downtrodden Danny being a victim of the class system, but …

The trump card of the play is that Danny represents a working-class hero. The same unsympathetic Screw got Danny one of the only thirteen places (out of 2,000 inmates) on the prison Art course. This is very apt as the crime was the purchase of paintings worth a staggeringly large sum of money for a knock down price (the exact details are a little blurry). It’s all a little tongue in cheek and we begin to suspect that the Danny of the show has some kind of clout, maybe backed by members of his notorious crime family.  Collectively, audiences might remember the Grouty character from the BBC sitcom PORRIDGE – an intimidating figure and the true ruler of the prison, enjoying luxury in his lavish cell. 

The play might be an eye opener, or not, but it certainly gives airtime to marginalised voices. Above all, the show raises questions about art.  Look at the Elgin Marbles, bought by the British, but was it a fair price? Who owns art? Who decides what each piece is worth? It’s been the basis of many a philosophical talk, but where are the answers? 

So, in short, here’s a play which gives a straight answer, art is for everyone, regardless of any class structure.  Stalham clearly understands where he’s going with this, even if, the character created by him is a little sorry for himself at times, self-absorbed, and all too ‘innocent’.  It is a wonderful opportunity for some linguistic fun, using working-class vernacular with imagination, rhythm and rhyme.

Director Lil Warren presents a stripped back show, no set, little lighting or sound, it all relies on vocals, and physical theatre. Here too, we’re having some fun, with disco dancing to the Bee Gee’s, philosophical and theological raging, and a couple of memorable caricatures.  

It’s the perfect play for found spaces, shop fronts, galleries, pubs, tea rooms (why not), and stately homes (go on, the patrons will love it). Trusting in the skill of the actors to draw the audience in, giving a court room/prison drama from a rarely seen perspective.   It might be of its time (not one mobile phone), but it is does provide social commentary about class disparity, recommended viewing for all. 

Read our inspiring interview with writer Dean Stalham and director Lil Warren, here.

Photography: Christopher Sherwood

SO HELP ME DOG by Dean Stalham at the Hen & Chickens 28 Mary – 15 June 2024

Box Office: https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/so-help-me-dog/

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery, editor of LPT Magazine