So this weekend, after an overly long break from culture, I took a trip back in time to the rock and roll age to see dark comedy Mojo at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
Now I'd booked these tickets a long time ago as I'd heard on the grape vine that it was a great play plus it has an amazing cast. However; there was one thing that could potentially have ruined this much anticipated theatre trip - my tequila induced hangover! Fortunately for me, and a sigh of relief from the audience, the side effects of Friday night's antics did not rear their ugly head during the performance. Phew!
So you've all probably seen the adverts on the underground for the play and thought what is Mr Bates up to now? Well Jez Butterworth's play, written in 1995, focuses on a gang (Sweets, Baby, Potts, Mickey and Skinny) who are caught up in the fast paced club culture of 1958 Soho. Up and coming star Silver Jonny is about to make it big, but over protective manager Ezra, and owner of the Atlantic Club, is not only promoting the new kid on the block, but he's also trying to keep Jonny away from the advances of gangster Sam Ross. It turns out that Ezra should also have spent time looking out for his own back especially as he ends up sawed in half! So who killed him? Where's Jonny? What's going to happen to the Atlantic Club?
At times it was hard to keep up with the action, but then again if it had been slow it would have lost it's charm and it's hilarity. Also most, if not all, the characters are popping pills so slow isn't exactly going to happen.
The play definitely has one of the most impressive casts I've seen on the West End for a long time. Ben Whishaw never fails to impress and his take on the unpredictable Baby left me wondering whether to laugh or scream - I'll shudder if I ever hear the phrase "kiss my pegs" again. Daniel Mays is a favourite of mine who can capture your attention with even the simplest look and Brendan Coyle's Mickey is not someone you want to meet in a dark alley - yes it's true Mr Bates says the c word!!!! The biggest surprise however; was Rupert Grint. As a member of the famous trio from the Harry Potter film franchise his role (you naturally presume) would be to bring in the younger crowd, but that shouldn't be the reason to see him in his West End debut. His performance took me back as he was brilliant as the over anxious Sweets and not once did Ron Weasley pop into my head during the play. He's definitely graduated and left his days at Hogwarts far behind him.
My sympathy went out to those who were standing up at the back. Mind you having spent most of the time bent double in stitches of laughter myself it's highly unlikely that they'd have been stationary for the performance.
Mojo is on at the Harold Pinter Theatre till the 8th February and tickets. For more information visit www.mojotheplay.com/. Now let's go find a lindy hop dance class.
