THIS CAN ONLY BE 1977. …RIGHT?
Chris Goode’s adaptation of Derek Jarman and James Whaley’s Jubilee was a ravenously sex-fueled and unvarnished representation of the state that the world is in.
It assures to have one question if royalty or religion are still relevant in an ever-changing society.
Toyah Willcox goes from rebel to regal as she makes a comeback having played Mad in the original movie and now bringing delightful grace to the stage as Elizabeth I. Unsurprisingly she owns every second of her role as an onlooker from the past.
Jubilee’s blatant dialogue and minimal use of symbolism makes for a refreshing take on what are usually controversial topics. It is explicit beginning to end and makes no apologies for it.
Travis Alabanza does a remarkable job playing Amyl Nitrate, a struggling and shadowed transsexual. Amyl shines as a Monopoly game becomes a gut-wrenching statement about how the trans community is repressed.
Other mentions include Rose Wardlaw as Crabs, token sex fiend and femme fatale, who embodies a naive innocence and hunger that most can relate to. There is a poetic synergy between all characters without losing each of their own personalities and makes for an exhilarating watch, albeit a shocking reality check.
Jubilee plays at the Lyric Hammersmith till March 10.
To book tickets online, click here: