It’s aways excellent to see the Young Pleasance back at the Fringe. They continually bring high quality productions, and this year’s Alice Diamond and the Forty Elephants continues that reputation.
John Warfield gives a strong performance as Tommy Diamond, a mob gangster who has a tight control of the criminal scene running a very successful gang in the Elephant and Castle area of London. He has the coppers ‘on the take’ to enable him to avoid being arrested for his crimes. Think Peaky Blinders.
All changes when the gang enlist to fight in the First World War and are posted to France, leaving his sister Alice to take over the business. Esme Pitman is outstanding in this role, growing in confidence as she becomes the queen of the women that form the Forty Elephants.
They develop many heists using a less violent approach than her brother. They become experts in swapping false diamonds for the real thing or stealing valuable fur coats by clever deception and distraction techniques.
As they grow in strength and success, Alice organises the gang into a powerful organisation.
Meanwhile, the men are having a torrid time in the trenches, boosted only by letters from their loved ones. But Tommy is haunted by the death of his friend, Alfie (Hector Bosell), who returns ghost-like to plague him in his horrendous memories.
But what will happen when the men return after the war? Will they want to take over the gang again? But Alice is stubborn and is reluctant to accept this. Can they find a solution?
There is so much to enjoy in this production from the strong ensemble work and impressive facial expression from the large cast who perform with energy and commitment.
The dramatic soundscape amplifies the storytelling, and the exuberant choreography is a joy to watch.
This is certainly one to add to your wish list.