What’s it all about?
His name may be quite ordinary but John’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. DV8 Physical Theatre’s latest production for the National Theatre is a verbatim piece of dance-theatre that charts John’s life, from a violent childhood at the hands of his evil father, through his troubled time in prison, to the realisation of his sexuality.
As John seeks to put the darkest aspects of his past behind him, the show emerges into a tale of love and hope, as he goes in search of someone to share the rest of his (hopefully less turbulent) life with.
Who’s in it?
Among a talented – and flexible – cast of performers, Hannes Langolf plays the man whose incredible life story is at the heart of the extraordinary show. Despite his nonchalant verbal delivery, Langolf endows the central character with both vulnerability and wit, contorting his body as he struggles through horrific drug abuse, comically launching himself above the set as part of a new exercise regime, and timing the flick of a pencil with a ticking clock. Ian Garside gives a compelling performance as the owner of an establishment in which John seeks fulfilment and Garth Johnson is excellent as his enthusiastic employee.
What should I look out for?
Be prepared for a clear dichotomy between the beginning and the end of the production. After facing repeated tragedy and losing everyone he was ever close to early on in the show, the last place you ever think he’ll find hope is in a gay sauna, yet this is where the latter part of the production is set.
Also look out for the revolving stage, which allows the production to move quickly between scenes and works seamlessly with DV8’s movement to carry the story forward.
In a nutshell?
Verbatim narration and striking movement combine to form a powerful and moving account of one man’s life in the National Theatre’s latest opening.
What’s being said on Twitter?
@Jamesy_Moo Saw @DV8PhysTheatre’s JOHN at the @NationalTheatre and I’m honestly speechless. Incredible storytelling, dark and powerful. See it.
@thetimhutton Tonight I was lucky enough to go see @DV8PhysTheatre’s ‘John’ at the @NationalTheatre. It was mind blowingly good.
Will I like it?
Covent Garden may have been switching on its Christmas lights last night but, with violent scenes of rape, drug abuse and terrifying domestic violence, the south of the river was at its most dark. JOHN isn’t going to make you leave the National Theatre with a gleeful spring in your step but, if you’re after something that little bit different – something that is rewarding at the same time as making you recoil in horror – head to the Lyttelton Theatre and fill your boots (not stockings) with JOHN.
JOHN is playing at the National Theatre until 13 January. You can book tickets through the venue’s website. The production will also be broadcast to more than 550 UK cinemas as part of NT Live on 9 December.