The Grand Babylon Hotel at the New Vic – Review
Originally written by Stoke-on-Trent born Arnold Bennett – The Grand Babylon Hotel is adapted by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Conrad Nelson – which is certain to be a hit – Review by Mel Osborne
Arnold Bennett may be best known for his novel ‘Anna of the five towns’ as well as writing classics such as The Card – which was also produced by Claybody not so long back…
The Grand Babylon Hotel was written in 1902 and is comedy thriller about an American millionaire who buys his spoilt daughter a whole hotel, but things go wrong when they find themselves at the centre of a kidnapping and a murder.
This is an hilarious madcap caper which will have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who actually did ‘do it’ with suspects being added to the list at each turn.
To add – Claybody theatre has become well loved in Stoke-on-Trent for their heart-warming
stories of life in the Potteries – past and present- and it seems in addition, adapting long
forgotten Bennet stories is another string to Deborah McAndrew’s bow.
This story is taken from the pages on to the stage and stays true to Bennetts unique voice which fans adore…
(Images supplied by the New Vic Theatre. Credit Andrew Billington.)
Set in The Grand Babylon hotel, the bright lighting depicts the luminous glamour of a luxury hotel.
Lis Evans’ set and costume design was sublime in a sepia theme throughout replicating the ‘old film’ ambience associated with the era of the story.
The show has a cast of five with 15 characters and each move is integral to the story.
Recent graduate Alice Pryor makes her New Vic debut as Nella Racksole and was a joy to watch as she portrayed the spoilt but very likeable daughter of a millionaire.
Nellor’s performance is outstanding and certainly is one to watch for the future with an unfaltering American accent and comedy timing.
Adrian Pang was engaging as Theodore Racksole – the self-absorbed millionaire – delivering hilarious monolgues to the audience.
Shelly Atkinson and Thomas Cotran both gave strong and humorous performances, whilst completing the multi-talented cast was New Vic favourite Michael Hugo delivering his best wicked villain laughs.
The Grand Babylon Hotel is most certainly the New Vic’s most stand out performances of the year – and when the New Vic and Claybody Theatre combine they do not fail to create masterpieces which will be remembered for years to come.
This fun-filled, whirlwind of mayhem and chaos does not fail to delight and the show ended with a well-deserved standing ovation and a buzz of excitement from the audience.
5 Stars
The Grand Babylon Hotel is at the New Vic theatre until Saturday 4 October. For more details please visit the New Vic HERE
