Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Storyhouse and Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre productions have become somewhat of a must for theatre lovers during the summer months. With its purpose built theatre set in the beautiful picturesque surroundings of this Victorian park, it is the perfect setting for live theatre.

The venue has hosted some fantastic productions over the years which have included Little Women and The Great Gatsby. Continuing with the theme of adapting celebrated works of literature, one of this year’s offerings is The Importance of Being Earnest, the other is a far more daring prospect: the world premiere of The Gangs of New York, based on the factual book of the same name by celebrated American journalist, Herbert Asbury.

Set in the mid 1800’s, we are introduced to John Morrisey (Oisín Thompson) and Hellcat Maggie (Hanora Kamen) , a pair of Irish immigrants fresh off the boat arriving in America. It would appear that they have a certain skills set which will help them to survive the mean streets of New York, Maggie, is a light-fingered pickpocket, whilst Morrisey is equally as good with his hands as a boxer.

Almost immediately Morrisey’s growing reputation draws the ire of local gangland chieftain, William Poole (James Sheldon) a.k.a ‘Bill the Butcher’, as he puts it “a true American ”. Poole’s love of violence is only matched by his hatred for all immigrants landing in America hoping to make a better life for themselves. Soon the pair enter into a blood feud, which threatens to cost both of them not just their business ventures, but their lives as well.

As a huge fan of the 2002 Martin Scorsese, Gangs of New York, I was intrigued to say the least by how the production was going to unfold, and I’m more than happy to say it does not disappoint. The story doesn’t just focus on the prejudice and bigotry that many immigrants faced, but also the seedy criminal underworld of New York. Crooked cops, and bent politicians are all thrown into the mix, rather sadly it would appear that 1840’s USA isn’t too different from modern society.

At its core writer Kieran Lynn’s adaptation focuses on two love stories: Morrisey and Suzie Smith (Yolanda Ovide), a young women, from a wealthy family who has ambition to be more than just some rich man’s trophy wife. Whilst the other is the forbidden romance between Maggie and Lew Baker (Lucas Button), a local beat police officer, indebted to Bill the Butcher. It’s a bold move and one that pays dividends as you firmly invest and care about what will become of them all.

Director John Young’s production despite its weighty subject matter is filled with energy and a surprising amount of humour, there are sly, on point one liners which hit the mark throughout. In addition, the glorious in-the-round setting allows for some audience interaction, with some (un)willing audience members dragged up to be part of the show.

Throughout there are various cast members playing all manner of musical instruments, and performing songs giving an authentic folk/roots feel to the production. These light touches mean that when an act of violence does take place, it’s all the more brutal and comes as a bit of a shock.

The cast are in fine form throughout, Oisín Thompson gives a performance packed full of charisma. James Sheldon has a commanding stage presence, full of menace and rage. Hanora Kamen puts in a turn full of sass and grit, whilst Yolanda Ovide gives a restrained, measured performance, as one of the few voices of reason. Lucas Button is equally impressive as the troubled police officer, with a performance full of nervous energy and subtle comic timing, his arc is the one that underpins the entire production.

It’s a bold, brave choice to adapt this weighty, historical book for the stage, but one that rewards its audience with an entertaining and surprisingly fun watch. It’s a production performed by a super talented ensemble cast of actors and musicians, in an as perfect (weather permitting) setting as you’re going to get, live theatre doesn’t get much better than this!

The Gangs of New York is on at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre until 31st August tickets are available here.