PERFORMANCE REVIEW: Penny Dreadful Presents The Missionary Position

Penny Dreadful Presents The Missionary's Position
Hoxton Hall, Hoxton

Going to see The Missionary Position, presented by Penny Dreadful and soon to be returning for a second run at Hoxton Hall, you may not know what to expect. Hearing that it is, in fact, inspired by the Music Hall shows of a bygone era, you may become even more suspicious.

The Missionary’s Position tells the true story of vicar Harold Davidson, played by Greg Haiste, who is also referred to as Prostitute’s Padre. The story goes that Davidson helped over a thousand ladies of the night, only to find himself prosecuted and defrocked by the Church, ridiculed by the press and eventually abandoned by his wife. As we are led on the journey of his life, we meet Barbara Harris (Marie Lawrence) , the underage girl who testifies against Davidson, Fred & Fanny (Sarah Ratheram and Mira Dovreni) , a performing double act who open the show with a blast of ‘I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside’, and the all-important MC (Matt Devereaux) who narrates the tale from the safety of his piano.

But these are just a few of the wonderfully colourful characters you can expect to meet - Soho prostitutes, Derbyshire debutants, a retired major with a funny walk also appear alongside numerous other unique, funny and sinister sorts. As they infiltrate the stage they collectively manage to tell a story that is engaging, entertaining and moving. Adding on the obligatory songs, dancing, a bit of magic and a lot of audience interaction results in a fine evening at the theatre!

All five performers excel at this kind of theatre and clearly relish the opportunity to showcase their talents. It's hard to believe that this is not the first time they have performed this piece such is the enthusiasm making it both fresh and entertaining. The choice of subject is clever and a piece has been developed that is interesting and fun! Most impressive is the lack of a neatly tied up and contained 'happy ending' with a truly touching moment standing in its place.

A thoroughly enjoyable show which soon puts any initial feelings of suspicion or trepidation to bed. I left feeling entertained and elated. So I say "LET’S ALL GO TO THE MUSIC HALL!"

Eva Vlassopoulos