The Normal Heart
Review
It is more than 30 years since the AIDS virus was identified and much has happened since, not only in its treatment but also in how much society is moving towards acknowledging a gay man's right to live on 'normal' terms with everyone else.
All of that serves only to validate this revival of Larry Kramer's 1985 indictment of just how long it took us to face the facts of the disease and what it was doing to a sector of humanity all too readily shunned and reviled.
Ned Weeks, Kramer himself in thin disguise, rails against the bigotry of the New York authorities who refuse to accept that something catastrophic is happening.
Mikey Palmer gives a finely controlled performance as Ned, building on his initial anger towards passionately felt despair as the crisis comes closer to his personal life.
Michael Gondelle perfectly grounds Palmer's performance in his subtle characterisation of the changing fortunes of Ned's lover, Felix.
Caz Gilmore, as the doctor who sees the epidemic coming, skilfully underplays the dispassion needed to be effective while clearly registering the emotional cost of doing that every day. Peter Colley and Sean Fisher also build carefully towards their devastating moments of emotional release. Sam Sampson's production is sadly underlit but cleverly staged. Go and see it. You will be impressed.
David Penrose - The News
Offering a stark reminder of the 1980's AIDS epidemic, the prejudice surrounding gay relationships and the appalling antipathy towards this New York community's plight, in the grip of this fatal disease, "The Normal Heart" offers no respite for the soul and no apology for its political stance.
The collective cast wring out every emotion, from themselves and us, as the disease takes a grip and lives unravel. Ned Weekes (Mikey Palmer), the central character, captures the sense of urgency but also the marginalisation and powerlessness, which is mirrored in the story. The second half sees some passionate (Peter Colley, Caz Gilmore) and some heart-rending (Michael Gondelle, Sam Sampson) performances that would squeeze the most hardened, never mind "normal" hearts.
The conceptualised and well worked set, projections and 80's soundtrack subtly added to the plays complexity, in this carefully crafted piece, directed by Sam Sampson.
Rebecca Case - Southern Daily Echo
American playwright Larry Kramer, known for his confrontational and controversial style, wrote his semi-autobiographical play "The Normal Heart" in 1985. He became a political activist on seeing the spread from 1980 of an unknown contagious killer disease among his friends and the wider gay community of New York. He was frustrated by the apathy surrounding this crisis which later came to be known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). He has been credited with publicising the message worldwide of the prevalence of the insidious HIV and Aids related diseases.
The drama charts the period from July 1981 to May 1984 when fiery activist Ned Weeks attempts to raise awareness of this rapidly spreading disease. His friend Dr Emma Brookner advises abstinence among this vulnerable group where multi sexual partners and casual sex is rampant.
A brave decision by Director Sam Sampson, who has long held an ambition to stage this play, as in this production he not only plays Tommy Boatwright but also assists with set design, costumes and put together a soundtrack incorporating current American Top Ten numbers that correlate to the relevant scenes. He has been admirably supported by a strong and passionate cast who generate frustration, anger, outrage and fear ~ thus ensuring this production packs a powerful punch.
Mikey Palmer has the mammoth and challenging role of the aggressive Ned Weeks and he brings a powerful intensity to the character. A commanding performance from Sean Fisher (Bruce Niles) and Sam Sampson convinces as Tommy Boatwright. Michael Gondelle shows real charisma as Ned's lover Felix Turner with a standout, expertly rendered performance that illustrates his tragic journey through this escalating epidemic.
Was disappointing to see empty seats for what was a forceful, thought provoking and compelling political indictment that draws to such a poignant conclusion.
Jill Lawrie - Remotegoat.com
