Review: Withnail and I (Birmingham Rep)

Review by Daz Gale

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It feels like lately you are never more than a stone's throw from the next stage adaptation of a classic movie, both as plays and musicals, usually to varying degrees of success. The latest offering is as beloved a title as it gets with the timeless classic Withnail and I enjoying its world premiere stage adaptation at Birmingham Rep. Could this do the original movie justice and appeal to its legion of fans or would the whole thing be a mistake?

Released in 1987, the original movie of Withnail and I is regularly seen among lists of the greatest films, often regarded as one of the all time great British films. Set in 1969, it focuses on two unemployed actors who decide to take a break from the run-down flat they share to take a holiday in the country in an attempt to reinvigorate their brains. With an environment they are not used to, unwelcome guests and the ever-present question of where their next drink is coming from, would this be the break they both need?

Bruce Robinson, the original writer from the movie, has penned the stage adaptation, ensuring it doesn't veer too far from the original and leaving it in very safe hands. The farcical, comedic nature of the wild pair works well on stage with a delighted audience applauding every faithfully delivered line of the instantly quotable movie and appearance of every familiar character.

I felt like I was at a disadvantage personally having never seen the movie myself (perhaps shockingly). While I could still appreciate the story and writing, it became increasingly clear I was getting far less out of this adaptation than the majority of the audience. Perhaps I should have educated myself by watching the movie beforehand, but I have been in similar situations before and not lost any enjoyment from being unfamiliar, so it shouldn't be a factor. It's also fair to say some of the themes and language used are very much a product of their time and haven't aged well, with the predatory gay man played for laughs quite uncomfortable to watch. While I can't fault the writing in itself, slightly more care could have been taken in considering how it should play out in 2024, irrelevant of its 1969 setting.

Sean Foley's direction does a fantastic job of bringing the varying settings on to the versatile Birmingham Rep stage. From their London home to the countryside with a particularly great (and iconic for fans of the movie) scene in their car on the way there. Beautifully designed by Alice Power and elevated by Akhila Krishnan's video design, the staging continually impresses. Some of the scene transitions can prove slightly clumsy and in need of fine-tuning in a production that can be disjointed at times, but the rough around the edges nature of Withnail and I actually adds to its charm.

While this is very much a play, music is a big part of the show with each act beginning with a musical performance led by the highly talented Sooz Kempner and a three piece band. While the idea behind this choice is admirable in its bid to transport audiences to the setting of the show and evoke memories of their time watching the film, its execution is flawed, never seamlessly blending in with the narrative and taking you out of the story too much.

One thing that can't be faulted are the brilliantly talented cast. Robert Sheehan leads the pack as the titular Withnail in a captivating and charismatic performance. With an unrivaled knack of how to maximise comedic impact, Sheehan's characterisation is faultless and undoubtedly the best aspect of this production. Perhaps not being able to compare him to his movie counterpart is a blessing as I can just take his performance at face value and state how mesmerising I found it.

The "and I" to Sheehan's Withnail is Adonis Siddique, otherwise known as Marwood. Creating a fantastic double act with Sheehan, he is distinctly different in himself to ensure every scene he is involved with, be it on his own or interacting with others is a joy to watch. In a performance that can go from understated to overblown, Siddique gives a star turn with flawless chemistry between the pair.

As a standalone piece of theatre, without comparing to the movie, Withnail and I is a highly enjoyable albeit flawed show. Perhaps it relies too much on nostalgia and an audience who can shout along with the famous quotes, but that is where its shortcomings are exposed. There is no doubt this is a story that does work on stage, but there is also the sense it hasn't reached its full potential as yet. Assuming this production has a further life, which it certainly deserves, I'd be keen to see how it progresses. Even with its imperfections, there is plenty here that makes it worth seeing, particularly Sheehan and Siddique's stunning performances.

Withnail and I plays at Birmingham Rep until 25th May. Tickets from https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/withnail-and-i/

Photos by Manuel Harlan