The 900 page Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake has been sitting defiantly unread on my bookshelf for a couple of years now.
Not having the patience for long novels or ‘fantasy’ fiction, the story still sounded interesting; a wealthy, dysfunctional family and their servants living uneasily together in Gormenghast – an isolated sprawling, gothic castle – as scheming  kitchen-skivvy Steerpike tries to worm his way into the top of the family hierarchy.
Oxford Theatre Guild adapting John Constable‘s depiction of the novel at Oxford’s Old Fire Station, solved my literary conundrum for me. Saltburn fans – don’t miss ‘undiscovered gem’ Gormenghast at OFS as Oxford Theatre Guild adapts the thrilling Gothic fantasy!
And I’m so glad director Jordan Bische brought it to fruition. Gripped throughout by the Saltburn-esque plot, Titus Groan (heir to the throne and all round good-guy) played by Oscar Luckett, tries to break free from the oppression of generations of family tradition.
The jaded but heroic patriarch has however met his match in the downright creepy Steerpike (take a bow Mark Friddaman) as the fight begins to save Gormenghast from this unlikely usurper, stunningly performed by both.
There was no weak-link in this wonderful cast however: Keith Heddle as the oddball and obsequious servant Flay, Matt Blurton as a psychotic cleaver-wielding chef and David Guthrie as pompous Barquentine, overseer of all those absurd family rules and traditions. Applause to all.
The high quality cast were aided in their quest by the highly atmospheric sound effects of lashing rain, crackling fires, babies crying and doors creaking, ensuring that Gormenghast castle was a character in its own right. The dialogue too, luscious and semi-Shakespearean in tone, added to the drama.
Exciting, unsettling, darkly humorous, satirical and life-affirming – I felt very fortunate to have watched this production. Indeed, it has stirred me to take my copy of the novel down from the shelf and plunge once more into the dark, mad world of Gormenghast.
Edward Bliss
Gormenghast runs at OFS until Sunday October 27. Book at https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/oxford-theatre-guild-present-gormenghast/
