PERFORMANCE REVIEW: The Woodsman

The Woodsman

Old Red Lion Theatre, London

Famed more for its Hollywood treatment in the 2004 film version starring Kevin Bacon, Steven Fechter’s play about an ex-paedophile’s reintegration into society makes a revival in its European premiere at the Old Red Lion Theatre.

Walter, played by Richard Ings, has just been released from a 12 year prison sentence for molesting young girls and finds himself coping with a new job, therapist and even a new girlfriend. The question is: will he be able to create a new life for himself and completely move on from his past? With great eloquence and composure, Ings executes a sterling performance as a man battling against his former self, to 'normalise' his mindset and resist temptation.

Maybe some will consider that Ings performance lacks the necessary conviction to make us believe he has been capable of committing such a monstrous crime. Nonetheless, the production by no means attempts to humanise the perpetrator: his tears and regret are genuine and palpable but this does not change his past. His close analysis of Candy, the man who lurks outside the school gates, reveals an innate understanding of this type from one who knows. Evident from the continual flashbacks of a young girl, Walter’s quest to become 'normal' may never be truly realised, for the remnants of this paedophilic instinct remain with him, even if he does not commit the crime again on this occasion.

Bar some meandering accents amongst the other cast members, the highlights are clear in the form of John Samuel Worsey whose character Lucas succeeds in bringing a lot of humour to the production, and Lisa Came, who really shines here as Walter’s feisty and yet compassionate girlfriend Nikki.

Paedophilia is becoming a popular topic in theatre, largely, and sadly, due to its topicality in present day life. So although Fechter’s play is not so unusual in its content, Stuart Watson’s production manages not to fall into the trap of sensationalising this taboo subject, but delivers a thoughtful approach which questions the feasibility of a happy ever after.

Ruth Collins