Bad Jews ****

Ustinov Studios, Theatre Royal Bath London

EXCERPT: "The script is meaty and engages with a whole host of issues, but under less sophisticated direction it could have all too easily become ranty, with the anger outbursts feeling repetitive rather than sincere, and the constant up and down dynamics tiresome rather than emotionally sensitive."

Summary

Prepare for a night like no other with the UK Premiere production of this uproarious hit, hailed by the New York Times as ‘the best comedy of the season’. A beloved grandfather has died, and a treasured family heirloom with religious significance is up for grabs. But who is most deserving of it? Bossy, overbearing, fanatically religious Daphna? Her wealthy cousin Liam, who’s just returned from skiing with his non-Jewish girlfriend Melody? Or Jonah, his brother, who would prefer not to get involved in the fight? A cramped Manhattan apartment becomes the setting for a viciously hilarious quarrel about family, faith and legacy as the contenders set at each others' throats on the night after the funeral.

Thoughts

Joshua Harmon's Bad Jews has been superbly well directed by Michael Longhurst. The script is meaty and engages with a whole host of issues, but under less sophisticated direction it could have all too easily become ranty, with the anger outbursts feeling repetitive rather than sincere, and the constant up and down dynamics tiresome rather than emotionally sensitive. Instead, no matter how vehement, vitriolic and downright horrific the characters' behaviour is, it all feels grounded in reality. The death of a grandfather and a family's reunion can and does often bring out the worst in people, but what is crucial is that we can still empathise with each and every person's situation. 

In Richard Kent's nicely designed set, which conveys the cramped luxury of the studio flat whilst giving them all enough space to move around in and create different dynamics in various locations, this drama really wins you over. I was gripped from the start and though the audience was remarkably quiet, that lack of laughter from the crowds didn't actually affect my enjoyment of the piece at all. It could - and I believe often has in the production's earlier performances - work well as a more comedic play, but as a straighter drama it is also wholly enjoyable to watch and utterly convincing. Acting was impeccably strong all round: from Jenna Augen as the caustic Daphna, to Gina Bramhill as the simperingly sweet Melody, Joe Coen as the stultifyingly laid back Jonah, and Ilan Goodman as the feisty Liam. I feel fairly sure this is a production that will garner a great deal of critical acclaim and will make its way to London - and it'll be wholly justified if it does.