Photo credit Andrew Billington
The New Vic’s latest run is a captivating stage adaptation of the 1946 film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, bringing a blend of romance, drama, and fantasy to the theatre.
The story is reimagined by Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, centres on Peter Carter, an RAF pilot during World War II who miraculously survives a leap from his burning plane. As he faces what should have been certain death, he connects with June, an American radio operator from Boston, and the two quickly fall in love. This tender romance is soon disrupted by a celestial messenger (Conductor 71), who arrives to rectify a bureaucratic error that spared Peter’s life. What follows is a jury trial in a heavenly court, where Peter must defend his right to remain on Earth.
The play delves into profound themes of love, fate, and the existence of an afterlife, weaving them into a narrative. Themes which are just as relevant today than they were in the 1940’s.
The New Vic shines with its creative approach to staging and unique elements. A brilliant live swing band, lead by Musical Director Howard Gray, infuses the show with energy and nostalgia. Visually, the set design impresses with a rotating centrepiece complete with internal lighting and a spiral staircase descending from the ceiling, all go to create an immersive and thoroughly entertaining experience.
The entire cast were multi-talented, from singing, dancing to playing instruments as part of the swing band. Thomas Dennis (who you may recognise from the festive production of ‘The Three Musketeers’) plays Peter Carter alongside Kaylah Copeland as June. Both embody a romantic and determined spirit, making the audience root for Peter’s survival and the continuation on of their love. Equally entertaining is Polly Lister as Doc Reeves, whose powerful delivery and no-nonsense manner adds a life-affirming dimension to the story and an unlikely ally for Peter.
New Vic audience favourite, Michael Hugo plays the eccentric Frenchman Conductor 71 with his trademark humour and delivery that adds much to the production.
It’s a fresh and innovative reimagining of the original. It successfully captures the magic of the film while maintaining its own theatrical identity with a really strong casting, vibrant music, clever set and an extra dimension added in the round.
The production is on until 19th April, with several matinee performances. Tickets are available from the box office, or online here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/a-matter-of-life-and-death/
