Indecent Proposal at Southwark Playhouse

Those familiar with the 1993 film, Indecent Proposal, inspired by Jack Engelhard’s novel of the same name, will know that it had everyone debating the age-old question: what would you do for a million dollars? 

Writer and librettist Michael Conley and composer Dylan Schlosberg’s eponymously titled musical is a hark back to the 1980s, set in Atlantic City. Married couple Jonny (Norman Bowman) and Rebecca Caine (Lizzy Connolly) struggle to make ends meet, though their love is stronger than ever, now both in second marriages. He cannot afford to send his daughter to university, and both work several jobs; Jonny is a singer-songwriter, and Rebecca is in the marketing department of the Oasis Casino Hotel Room Resort (as resident singer Annie Poole – played by Jacqueline Dankworth – loves to exclaim on repeat occasions, though her reiteration does not render her performance any less of a highlight).

The casino has a house band, but one that does not reflect the times: this is supposed to be Atlantic City in the 1980s yet we are left with generic pop; the music in the interval better reflects the era. The set is cleverly designed, complete with a large bed that nicely tucks into the bottom of the stage, and does manage to portray a seedy casino. It is clear Jonny is hard-up; dressed in plaid shirts and worker’s boots, he paints a haggard image, tired from the onset. Bowman bears a striking resemblance with American actors Penn Badgley and Willem Dafoe. 

Unlike the film version, there is little meat here. Viewers are left to speculate why Jonny and Rebecca are struggling financially, and the urgency just does not exist. When Larry (Ako Mitchell) enters the scene, it is clear he is rich, gambling away large amounts of money with ease, although his physical appearance doesn’t signify the vast wealth; ironically Rebecca cuts a fine picture of prosperity and glamour with her peroxide blonde hair and fashionable outfits.

When the proposition is finally revealed, it does not have the grit one expects. Sure, questions arise, and one is left wondering if Jonny and Rebecca’s relationship can withstand the infidelity. A 1980s play in 2021 retains similar and important themes of power dynamics, seduction, money and love, which are timeless. However, the production is lacklustre and misses the dramatic urgency necessary to invest in the characters’ consequences. 

Selina Begum

Indecent Proposal is at Southwark Playhouse from 23^rd October until 27^th November 2021. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.