Radiant Boy is a unique, evocative, and intensely personal play that explores a young man’s relationship with his mother, his sexuality, and his faith. Russell has returned home after a ‘sickness’ prevented him from continuing his singing training in London. Unsure of how else to help Russell, his mother Maud has called a Priest who specialises in supernatural occurrences. Part kitchen-sink drama, part Exorcist style horror, Nancy Netherwood’s script effortlessly moves from understated but heartfelt conversations between a mother and son one moment and a dramatic exorcism the next. Her use of music, particularly traditional folk and New Wave, not only add to the atmosphere of the play but also embody Russell’s internal struggle. As Netherwood says in her Playwright’s note, folk and New Wave are the ‘two sides of the son’s conflicted heart’.
Júlia Levai’s direction, combined with the fabulous production of a talented and passionate crew made exemplary use of the space. Simple blocking choices were able to change the whole dynamic of a scene, and the light, sound and set design kept me consistently engaged and amazed. It’s rare that the production of the play feels as vital to its soul as the script. But that was certainly the case for Radiant Boy. And Levai’s direction brings every scene to life in the most effective way. Not a moment is wasted.
The cast were outstanding. Stuart Thompson delivers a highly nuanced performance of Russell, seamlessly showcasing the many facets of his complex and troubled character. And, when called for, he can really flick a switch and become instantly terrifying. His vocals were also very impressive, allowing us to understand Russell’s feelings when he himself no longer had the words. Ben Allen’s Father Miller felt so refreshing. Often Priests in media are depicted as either old and worn down, or young and clueless. Allen’s Miller was neither. Rather, he brought a wonderful sense of energy and sincerity to the character. You truly believed that, at least to begin with, he wanted to help Russell. Even if there was more going on beneath the surface! Renée Lamb’s depiction of The Voice, the woman that has lived inside Russell’s head since he was 9 years old, and whom Father Miller was attempting to banish was, aptly, haunting. Her powerful vocals lent a sense of gravity, urgency and threat to the play’s already creepy atmosphere, and her constant presence in the background of scenes wonderfully conveyed Radiant Boy’s themes. All parts of you are always there, no matter what. Lamb doubles as Steph, a friend of Russell’s, and she embodies Steph with such infectious joy and energy it was hard to believe that only seconds before the same actor was effortlessly terrifying. Wendy Nottingham’s portrayal of Maud Chapman was perhaps the highlight of the play. Wonderfully understated but immensely effective, she was simultaneously heartbreaking and hilarious as the single mother trying her hardest to help her son but not really knowing how. Her frustration, fear, and later understanding and acceptance were all expertly conveyed. It was a wonderful performance.
However, as well-done as Radiant Boy was, it did not evoke the visceral response from me I was hoping it would. Perhaps it was just a little too abstract for my tastes, perhaps there’s only so much I can relate to Russell’s experience, or perhaps it had simply been a long day and I couldn’t fully process what I was watching. Whatever the reason, while I was engaged throughout and certainly invested in the story and the characters, I never felt the whirlwind thrill of emotions that the very best of theatre can bring out in me. That’s not to say Radiant Boy can’t evoke those emotions from someone. In fact, I can say with absolute confidence that it will have done for some members of the audience last night. All I’m saying is that, personally, I never quite connected to it in the manner I’d hoped to.
Overall, Radiant Boy is a wonderfully unique and ambitious play that I would certainly recommend. It is running at the Southwark Playhouse Borough until the 14th of June and I suggest you get yourself a ticket before they sell out. https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/radiant-boy/
Reviewer: Ben Pearson
Reviewed: 23rd May 2025
North West End UK Rating: