Faustus: That Damned Woman – Storyhouse Chester

A co-production between Storyhouse Originals and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre has opened at Storyhouse in Chester. Reimagined and written by award winning Playwright, Chris Bush, the story takes us into a world of despair, sacrifice and consequence.

Faustus: That Damned Woman draws on themes that resonate with many people on the addiction recovery journey, and this is what makes the partnership with Fallen Angels Dance Theatre even more important.

Johanna Faustus (Olivia Sweeney) is trying to prove her mother’s innocence, making a deal with Lucifer to get the answers that she needs but soon realising that this was a mistake and that she should have been more careful what she wishes for. After selling her soul to the devil in exchange for 144 years on earth and an apprentice, Mephistopheles, Faustus begins her journey to change the world. She is trying to break free of societal oppression, in a world where men rule everything, sacrificing what she must to seize control of her own destiny. She wants to change the world for the better, to learn and do good and in doing so, becomes addicted to the speed and the knowledge she is getting. Sweeney is full of energy and power in the role, captivating throughout the story from nothing to strength and back.

Mephistopheles, played by Five incredible performers over different points of the play, each bring their own strengths and qualities. With this being a deep, dark, serious play, the character of Mephistopheles is a great injection of light and humour. Bridgette Amofah, Yali Topol Margalith, Miriam O’Brien, Emma Pallant and Dzey Z Smith work so well together to bring out the different personalities of the character, delving into the fact that everyone has different sides yet in some people, these different sides control who they are simultaneously.

Matthew Romain creates an interesting take on Lucifer. An oddly likeable character, showing how a person’s mind works. That in sheer desperation you can see the devil as a friend and Romain plays the friendly yet sinister sides of the character perfectly.

The set uses real trees, fire and a well where the cast can fill buckets. There is so much detail to what initially looks like a simple set. Taking us undergrounds into the pits of hell, Good Teeth have designed a great space to deliver this piece in. Lighting by Sally Ferguson was fantastic, used to take us on so many journeys, from bright celebratory scenes bringing it right down to a single light to take us to dark places.

There were incredible pieces of dance used in places, delivered beautifully by the cast, showing the connection once again with Fallen Angels and Paul Bayes-Kitcher, whose recovery dancers worked with the cast to explore and create movement. The dances were intense and thought provoking and brought parts of the piece to life.

Francesca Goodridge has created an incredible world with her direction, dissecting every piece of the story to ensure no stone is unturned, leaving you thinking about so many elements of the story hours after you have left the theatre. Goodridge talks about the ensemble saying “They’re the women who tried but have been persecuted. So, they’re there, existing on stage, willing the next woman to do it. It’s like the next woman has to start again. They may fail but there will always be another brilliant woman who is going to have a go.” Which is such a strong statement and rounds up the story so well.

Faustus: That Damned Woman runs until 18^th February 2023. Tickets available at https://boxoffice.storyhouse.com/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx

Reviewer: Damian Riverol

Reviewed: 7^th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★