This is an extraordinary production. The cast is universally outstanding, whilst the intimate intensity of The Ustinov is the perfect venue.
Maxine Peake as Sister Aloysius Beauvier and Holly Godliman as Sister James | Photo © Simon Annand
Set in 1964 New York, the plot centres around the parish of St Nicholas where Father Flynn finds himself at the centre of accusations concerning himself and a young pupil.
Ben Daniels as Father Flynn is an imposing, charismatic and powerful figure.
His energy from the outset never falters. It is a powerhouse performance equally matched by the terrifying, occasionally maniacal Sister Aloysius Beauvier played with magnificent commitment by Maxine Peake.
Sister Aloysius is concerned for the welfare of her pupils and sets out to prove Father Flynn has behaved inappropriately with a young boy. Their dialogue flies like arrows, intense and harrowing to watch as there is little proof of circumstances; but Sister Aloysius is insistent.
Holly Godliman as Sister James, a young teacher, is quietly understated. Utterly lost in the chaos that her disclosure inflicts. The three principals are electric in their interactions as the power switches between them.
The parent of the child, Mrs Muller, played by Rachel John is clear that her desire for her son to graduate is the priority. Her maternal love runs deep alongside the desire for her son to be educated in a hostile society.
Directed by Lindsay Posner, the play does not miss a beat. The suffocating final scenes set against the austere design by Peter Mackintosh are astonishing.
Once again, the Ustinov proves it worth. A stunning 90 minutes which rarely feels so compelling, terrifying and accomplished.
Running until March this is an experience that will live on for those lucky enough to bag a ticket. It is deserving of a much wider audience.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
