Show: The Lovely Bones
Format: Play
Genre: Drama
Date: September 26 2018
Location: Everyman Theatre, Liverpool
When I told people I was seeing the Everyman Theatre production of The Lovely Bones (written by Alice Sebold, and adapted by Bryony Lavery), I had a mixed reaction. This was mainly from people who had read the book or seen the film. They wondered how the novel would be able to be staged.
However, the production by Melly Still, lighting by Matt Haskins and the design by Ana Ines Jabares-Pita brought it all to life. A tilted mirror ceiling reflected the action and the lighting provided a surreal feel, with characters seen both behind and in front of the backdrop. The Everyman was a great place to see it. That’s because the audience is so close to the actors, so you don’t miss a thing.
The Lovely Bones
Description Of The Lovely Bones
I had been advised that the story was sad, moving, even upsetting, but I didn’t feel that way. The adaptation was hugely energetic, moving at pace with excellent performances from the whole cast, some members playing two or even three parts, all very distinguishable from each other to their credit.
The play is based around Susie Salmon (Charlotte Beaumont), who as a 14-year-old was raped and murdered on her way home from school by Mr Harvey (Keith Dunphy). Charlotte is brilliant as Susie, providing the narrative throughout and a bird’s eye view of what is going on back on earth while she waits to enter heaven.
Murder
Keith Dunphy gives off an adequate amount of sinister menace as her murderer, and we find out that Susie wasn’t his only victim. One poignant moment is when Susie meets the other unfortunate victims, demonstrated by actors holding their dresses, projecting their arms through the costumes as though they were puppeteers and introducing themselves – one victim as young as 5-years-old.
Susie watches how her family and friends deal with her disappearance and apparent murder. She craves the life and prospective love she has lost, whilst others get on with their lives and gradually move on. She watches her killer and demonstrates the frustration she feels at the lack of competency shown in catching him and bringing him to justice. There is music from the 70s at various moments throughout the play, which reminds us of that particular era. This also acts as a reminder of the innocent yet open attitude to sexuality at that time.
Analysis Of The Lovely Bones
The family and friends’ characters reflect the differing reactions to Susie’s murder. Her father Jack (Jack Sandle) gives a powerful performance. He’s devastated and fixated upon finding her murderer. Meanwhile, her mother Abigail (Emily Bevan) is desolate and copes by leaving the family altogether. Her siblings manage in their own way. And a special mention must go to Ayoola Smart. She plays Lindsey Salmon (who Susie watches growing up) and Natasha Cottriall. Natasha plays both Susie’s younger brother Buckley and also Ruth Connors (a friend with questionable psychic abilities).
The ending of the play sees Susie’s remains lost forever, and Mr. Harvey doesn’t receive punishment via justice. He does meet a sticky end. But to be honest, it feels a little rushed and I felt some frustration at the outcome. Susie’s family regroup and, now feeling happy, she finally accompanies her chaperone and mentor (Bhawna Bhawsar) and enters heaven.
Summary Of The Lovely Bones
In closing, The Lovely Bones is a riveting show. I highly recommend that people check it out while it’s on at the Everyman Theatre.
