Alastair Brookshaw in De Profundis at the Leicester Square Theatre Lounge, London. Picture: Steve Ullathorne
De Profundis continues at the Leicester Square Lounge, London until 8 June.
The New Musical Project is an initiative launched by the Leicester Square Theatre to seek out and promote new up and coming writers and composers. The inaugural year saw six new musicals given workshop presentations in front of industry experts and the winner, De Profundis by Paul Dale Vickers, is given a full production over six weeks at the Leicester Square Lounge.
Based on the letter written by Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas – ‘Bosie’ to his intimates – from his prison cell in Reading Gaol, De Profundis might seem an unlikely choice for a musical theatre piece. There is little in terms of a solid narrative and much of the poetic dialogue is part-confession and part quest for spiritual redemption. Undoubtedly, Wilde’s eloquence is profoundly moving as he plunges the depths of his soul, desperate to comprehend his situation. Throughout, he is determined not to let hate enter his heart, despite the torment he suffered at the hands of a petulant lover and the grief he felt at being legally separated from his sons.
Adapted by Paul Dale Vickers, this chamber musical embraces the spiritual range of the original, complementing the written style with a sympathetic score. Introspective and yet vividly romantic, Vickers’ music flows seamlessly through the story, echoing the sorrow of Wilde’s arrest, trial and incarceration. It may not be a wildly diverse score – performed here exquisitely on keyboard by musical director Michael Riley – but the haunting melodies only enhance the themes of redemption and optimism in the face of hardship.
Much of the success of this production relies on Alastair Brookshaw and his interpretation of the character of Wilde. Although there is no actual physical resemblance, it matters little as the triumvirate of Brookshaw, Vickers and director Stuart Saint are making a deeply contemporary point here, as well as an historical one. As Brookshaw shuffles about his cell, the audience has to be reminded that even today, more than 100 years later, prisoners are still being made of those whose love dare not speak its name.
Brookshaw indeed may not resemble Wilde, but his mastery of the score and the tone of the piece is a joy to behold. Simply staged and immaculately directed by Saint, De Profundis is a worthy winner at every level, and while a transfer would be unlikely – or possibly unwise – this musical piece is a strong calling card for all involved.
Paul Vale
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