An excellent show with a twist in the tale

Gabriel by Stagecraft Gryphon Theatre 18 Jul 2023 🌟🌟🌟🌟

What a stunning production. The story is set in Guernsey, late winter 1943 and is of a family living under the rule of the Germans who discover an unconscious man washed up on the beach. He speaks both English and is fluent in German. A plane was shot down by the Germans so the family think he is a surviving pilot. He can’t remember who he is. We watch as each option of who he is is removed. The entire cast were superb. No weak links at all and they all embraced their characters totally.

The set was mostly excellent with one major exception which was a door that blocked one half of the entrance to the foyer. It seemed superfluous to have the cast opening the foyer door then entering another door. It annoyed me and it is the only thing that did. Lighting was mainly wash lighting so simple but effective for this type of production. Sound effects were minimal. It is a shame some construction was going on above the space as the dim sound of an electric drill didn’t enhance the mood. Of course, the theatre has no control over that and is not a criticism of the show. I left the theatre deep in thought and wonder at how well this had been put on and just how bloody good the story was. Highly highly recommended.