Review: CLOUD 9 at National Theatre, Lyttelton

Directed by Dominic Cooke, it must be a world away from the first production of the play staged at the Dartington College of Arts on Valentine’s Day 1979, but it exudes an Orton-esque fresh irreverence as it depicts the extended family of a pompous Victorian Empire builder in thrall and service to Queen and country. But the straight-laced brigade whilst presenting a prim and pious veneer, are as prone to their lustful desires as the animalistic native drum beaters whom they claim to be civilising into god-fearing, white man obeying, Empire lackeys.

At a big house situated at a clearing on the edge of a jungle, the head of the household, local governor Clive (Sam Troughton) dotes on his wife Betty (an hilariously restrained Stuart Thompson) whilst harbouring covetous desires for neighbour Mrs Saunders (Rebecca Humphries in full ‘jolly hockey sticks’ mode complete with riding crop). Meanwhile Betty herself has the hots for adventurer and best friend to her husband Harry Bagley (Tom Mothersdale) who is freshly returned from an expedition along a river which may or may not one day bear his name. Faithful manservant Joshua (Eloka Ivo) observes everything with a wry cynicism and is perhaps rather less faithful than some would believe. Betty’s mother Maud (Charlotte Ritchie) is a little more astute than most in the household but as a woman of the period, is quick to acknowledge her place in the scheme of things. Meanwhile governess Ellen (also Rebecca Humphries with some notably quick changes) minds fey Edward (Ellen Robertson) who plays with dolls and may have experienced something inappropriate with Uncle Harry during his previous visit.

On a wonderful verandah set surrounded by lush undergrowth (by Miriam Buether), various ribald assignations and couplings take place amidst the humidity and starched corsetry. It’s all great fun and the stabs at colonialism and hypocrisy land thick and fast.

On returning to the auditorium after the 30 minute interval, the gilt-surround red velvet framing, is in disarray and ranged about the stage. Members of the audience from the front couple of rows are now edging the playing space where each cast member assumes an altogether different role which is entirely at odds with their previous incarnation. Now in London of the 1970s, Troughton morphs into a brilliantly observed petulant little girl Cathy. Charlotte Ritchie is Victoria a burgeoning lesbian exploring a polyamorous lifestyle with Rebecca Humphries’ Lin and Stuart Thompson’s Edward who has previously been doting on Eloka Ivo’s hot lothario Gerry. Most special of all Ellen Robertson steals the second half returning as a Betty. Many decades older and sporting a Queen Elizabeth hairdo and twin-set, she exudes a well-meaning fish out of water as she refuses to dwell on her time in Africa and speaks frankly of exploring efforts to pleasure herself and maybe, just maybe, find a man to assist in that endeavour. The cast are exceptionally interwoven and enjoy every minute, which joyously translates across the footlights. A play which shouldn’t work, which should make us cringe with embarrassment, is an utter delight, delivered by a terrific cast and creative team who have worked wonders with the material.

CLOUD 9 plays 2 hours and 45 mins including the 30 min interval and continues at the Lyttelton, National Theatre until 13th January. Expect award nominations.

Cloud 9 Tickets