Review of Immersion Theatre's gritty Julius Caesar at Brockley Jack

As we take our seats, the haze, the low key music and the leather-clad plebeians lying scattered around the edges of the space create an atmosphere which hints that this production is going to be on the darker, grittier end of the scale.

As a beaten woman emerges from the shadows followed by two men in balaclavas, our instincts are confirmed and we are thrust unapologetically into a disturbingly dark world - it’s an unnervingly powerful start to the Shakespearian tragedy.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, Caesar (Anna Bond) is dictator of Rome (in this version a broken society not country) who is plotted against by her closest allies.

The conspiracy is led by Cassius (Rochelle Parry) and Brutus (Liam Mulvey) and is eventually executed as Caesar is brutally murdered.

Marc Antony (James Clifford) feigns acceptance and is granted permission by Brutus to speak at her funeral which he uses as an opportunity to turn the masses in his favour and against all those that had a hand in her death.

The battle to avenge Caesar’s death ensues in which Marc Antony and Caesar’s heir, Octavius (Eleanor Burke) fight and survive whilst all those who had any involvement are executed in Caesar’s name.

Directors James Tobias and Roderick D Morgan have taken a gamble by setting this production in such sexual and violent territory, not least when one considers that they have also turned many of the roles into women (most notably Caesar him/herself), however, the risk is one which certainly pays off and makes us look at these characters through new eyes.

Particularly interesting is the Cassius/Casca relationship which is fuelled by such sexual tension which is clear for all to see that one could be forgiven for thinking this is how the bard intended the scene to have always been played out.

I also enjoyed the dynamic that these changes in gender gave the Caesar/Cassius and the Caesar/Antony relationships. The entire cast give exciting and well rounded performances bringing each of the characters vividly to life.

Anna Bond is a strong and intimidating Caesar and her death is one of the most gripping and exciting moments of the show, a highlight.

As Cassius, Rochelle Parry is sexy, unhinged and delivers a chilling and convincing performance.

We believe her hatred for Caesar is such that she would easily be capable of inspiring her assassination.

Liam Mulvey has a strong presence and gives a solid performance as the noble Brutus and Frank Teale brings a dangerous and eccentric energy to the role of Casca.

It is very hard choosing to praise individual performances when this ensemble cast work as well as they do as a collective.

They all deliver their dialogue with clarity and accessibility, however, it would be unfair not to mention James Clifford who has the task of delivering some of Shakespeare’s most recognisable speeches as the conniving and manipulative Marc Antony.

His speech towards the end of the first act when he is left alone with Caesar’s body for the first time is full of anguished passion and heartfelt emotion.

In a sharp contrast, his funeral oration which opens with the famous “friends, romans, countrymen” is equally strong yet far more logical making his manipulation of the masses believable and interesting to watch.

He delivers an accomplished and fiery performance.

The costumes and make up compliment the style of the production nicely.

I particularly liked the soothsayer’s glazed eyes; this detail to costume and make-up is not often seen on the fringe.

Music also plays a major role as it accompanies most of the sequences (including Caesar’s death and the final battle sequence) and gives the show something of a filmic quality which I felt was a nice and unexpected choice.

The combination of stage combat and slow motion made the final battle visually interesting and prevented it from going down a cringe-worthy route these large battle sequences can so often go down.

In the programme note, Immersion’s artistic director James Tobias says: “Julius Caesar is a piece that Immersion Theatre has been incredibly passionate about producing for a very long time now”.

It has to be said, watching it, the passion is clear to see. Full of detail, tension and energy from the beginning, the cast seem to share the same passion as the directors for the show as they throw themselves fully into their roles graphically bringing every moment to life.

This production moves fast and far and is one of the most worthwhile trips to the theatre I have taken in a very long time.

Immersion Theatre earns considerable credit for this production and should feel proud to have delivered such a bold and ambitious take on this piece and to have done it so well.

Julius Caesar runs at The Brockley Jack Studio Theatre in Brockley Road until Saturday March 10 starting at 7.45pm. Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions. For bookings visit www.brockleyjack.co.uk