Redcliffe
Southwark Playhouse Borough
until 4th July
A Story That Feels Painfully Relevant
Redcliffe is one of those shows that stays with you long after you leave the theatre, because it is heartbreakingly inspiring and is exceptional storytelling.
Based on the true story of William Pritchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol between 1752 and 1753, the musical explores forbidden love in a time when homosexuality was illegal and punishable by death. It is devastating in its historical truth, but also painfully relevant today, with persecution of LGBTQ+ people still present across the world.
Exceptional Storytelling from Start to Finish
This is Jordan Luke Gage‘s debut as a writer, which makes what he has achieved here all the more remarkable. Directed by Paul Foster, from the very first moments, Redcliffe demonstrates absolute confidence in its storytelling. The writing is flawless — emotionally intelligent, carefully paced and deeply touching. The story unfolds naturally and nothing feels forced or sensationalised, then suddenly the emotional impact sneaks up on you.
A Community Full of Warmth, Humour and Heart
One of the most striking aspects of Redcliffe is the way it builds its world before the tragedy begins to unfold. The community of Redcliffe is portrayed as a God-fearing yet friendly, close-knit town full of humour and warmth. It feels real, giving the audience time to understand and care about the people within it.
At the heart of it all is William, his mother, and his sister Abigail who are a strong, loving unit, full of resilience and humour. The first act is genuinely funny in places, and the more you love them, the harder the second act hits.
The production itself is staged beautifully in the round, with Andrew Exeter’s minimalist set including a pool of water and old fruit crates. William and Richard’s names and 1752 and 1753 are engraved into a frame suspended above the stage — a constant, understated reminder that this is a true story. Matt Hockley‘s lighting design builds tension and the atmosphere with real skill, and changes to reds and purples when the stakes get higher.
A Love Story Told with Incredible Tenderness
When William meets Richard, their relationship begins as friendship and gradually, naturally, becomes something more tender. Their bond is written and performed with such tenderness and subtlety that it is completely believable. By the time their story unfolds fully, the emotional investment is already absolute.
Performances That Left the Audience in Tears
The whole cast is exceptional. Jess Douglas Welsh as Abigail is full of energy and warmth – especially in her solo song ‘The Girl from Redcliffe’. Steven Serlin‘s Felix Farley is one of the most unsettling and effective moments in the show — the scene where he arrives to perform his Christmas poem, reducing William’s suffering to entertainment for the crowd, is deeply uncomfortable in exactly the right way.
Rebecca Lock as William’s mother is simply outstanding. Her comic timing in the first act is a real joy, and then when the story turns, she turns with it completely. Her performance of “Hurricane” is almost unbearable — raw and desperate in a way that takes your breath away. And the moment she learns of William’s fate is utterly heartbreaking. What makes her performance so remarkable is that she holds the grief, the strength and the humour all at once.
Daniel Krikler as Richard brings enormous charm and strength to the role, and his chemistry with Gage is warm and completely natural. His vocals are also stunning.
Jordan Luke Gage as William is phenomenal. His journey from quiet, god-fearing, restrained young man to someone discovering who he is — and then facing the consequences of it — is beautifully handled. In the second act he brings a resilience that is both inspiring and devastating. Throughout the production he performs spectacularly, but especially in “Void of Love” he delivers a vocal performance that is exceptional.
By the end, there was not a dry eye in the house.
A Beautiful Score
Gage’s score is gorgeous and completely woven into the story. It is rooted in folk influences, and full of strings and rich harmonies. His lyrics vary between heartfelt and humorous, but he has managed to create songs that are instantly recognisable. From the hilarious ‘The Most Amazing Wedding’ to ‘Loophole’, the standard is high. However, the ballads are the show’s biggest strength, especially ‘Pressure Pot’.
Why Redcliffe Is So Timely
What makes this production even more powerful is its relevance.
While set in the 1750s, the story reflects ongoing realities for LGBTQ+ people around the world today. Homosexuality is still criminalised in many countries and remains punishable by death in some. The production never forces this connection, but it does not need to — the parallels are unmistakable.
Final Thoughts
Gut-wrenchingly beautiful, brilliantly performed, and written with a confidence that is astonishing for a debut — Redcliffe is theatre at its most powerful.
A musical that devastates you in the moment and stays with you long after, it is a heartbreaking love story which has an incredible score and is storytelling of the highest calibre.
Redcliffe has a bright future ahead of it – go and buy your tickets before it is too late!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Helena Featherstone
Photo: Pamela Raith