When a psychiatrist misses work unexpectedly the head of the hospital, Doctor Greenberg (Jon Osbaldeston) covers for him. One of the patients, Michael (Gwithian Evans) claims to know Doctor Lawrence’s whereabouts but will only cooperate if he gets something in return. Nicolas Billon’s cleverly plotted script teems with intrigue, as two mysteries unravel throughout the play; Doctor Lawrence’s disappearance and Michael’s past related to his peculiar obsession with elephants.
As he saunters in singing with abandon, we hear him before we see him, which already establishes the notion of prejudice in the play. Evans’ portrayal of Michael is immaculate, from his jerky movements to the playful yet calculating gaze. His sharp delivery indicates a disregard for social norms and Evans gives us a strong sense of Michael’s inner disquiet and urge for some kind of resolution.
Osbaldeston effectively conveys Doctor Greenberg’s serious and reticent nature which is made a mockery of by Michael’s games. Whilst he was overly watchful and suspicious of Michael, there could have been greater variation in expression and in response to him. With lots of conflicting thoughts such as remaining professional, but also wanting the truth from Michael whilst treating a patient accordingly, it would have been interesting to see more glimpses of this struggle and frustration. It was sometimes unclear how Doctor Greenberg felt towards Michael, stronger direction in this area was needed as Michael’s character is already purposefully evasive.
Louise Faulker plays Miss Peterson, a hospital nurse who is aware of Michael’s deception and history. Faulkner’s expressive eyes are full of concern and subtle betray her deeper knowings.
The set designed by Ian Nicholas is a naturalistic psychiatrist office with some elephant décor which hints at either the point of view of Michael’s obsessive world or at the relationship between him and Doctor Lawrence.
Onbook Theatre’s production directed by Jason Moore has the air of a murder mystery with the melancholic undertones of a tragedy. With a surreal and sudden ending, many questions are left unanswered. It was as if the only way Michael could comfortably share his story was through sharing little nuggets of it whilst Doctor Greenberg sought the answers to where Doctor Lawrence was, as if his story wasn’t worth enough to be heard on its own. The Elephant Song gives a voice to the institutionalised and the misunderstood and shows provocative behaviour in a different light.
Playing until 11th February, https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-elephant-song
Reviewer: Riana Howarth
Reviewed: 23rd January 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★