The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at Southwark Playhouse

A unique and folksy musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button transports us to a quaint Cornish coastal village where a baby is born as an old man and ages backwards. Spanning 70 years from 1918 to 1988, the show explores the themes of love, loss, identity and belonging through a blend of folk songs, storytelling and stunning set design and costumes.

The stage is transformed into a rustic seascape, with a net of light bulbs, planets and moons hanging from the ceiling, and various props and instruments creating the sounds and sights of the ocean. Actors climb in and out of the trapdoors on the stage floor, which creates the feeling of climbing “above deck” in a boat. The often foggy blue, orange and grey lighting also helps create this industrial seaside feeling in a subtle but effective way. The costumes are also evocative of the coastal setting and the historical period, with earthy blue, green and brown hues and natural fabrics for the chorus and brighter but still sea-themed yellows, oranges and rust colours for the main characters. The attention to detail and authenticity is impressive, as is the way the costumes subtly change to reflect the ageing process in reverse for Benjamin and forward for everyone else.

The story is narrated by a group of musicians called the Strangers, who also play various roles and act as the voice of the sea. They set the scene with an upbeat opening number, Matter of Time, which introduces us to Benjamin’s father and his anticipation of meeting his son. However, his joy turns to horror when he sees that his son is an old man with a cane, a top hat and glasses. A series of bizarre events (such as water flowing upwards) indicate that something unnatural has happened. Benjamin’s mother, filled with shame and disappointment, takes her own life soon after (Kraken’s Lullaby), leaving Benjamin to grow up in isolation with his father, who hides him from the world.

Benjamin longs for a normal life and a chance to see the world (A Little Life), so he sneaks out to the local pub one night, where he meets and falls in love with Elowen, a young barmaid (When E’re She Looked at Me). Fate tears them apart only to bring them back together after years of war and opposite ageing brings them together. Benjamin seems to have what he always wanted, but tragedy and the inevitability of his condition send him around the globe to find a cure for his “illness”.

Jamie Parker (Benjamin) is excellent as a shaky old man and subtly changes both his appearance and mannerisms to highlight his descending age. Molly Osborne (Elowen Keene) is lively, likeable and brings a sense of grounding, confidence and strength to create a well-rounded character who is more than just a love interest. Jonathan Charles (Drunkard) is amazing as the drunk who has waited ever-increasing decades for his love to return, and everything down to his wide eyes, trembling hands, quivering lip and slurred voice is perfect. Anna Fordham (Locryn) also does an incredible job of playing their character at various ages, from a young boy to a grown man, and their mannerisms and body language are apt and believable.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a triumphant, innovative combination of traditional folk, fantastic set and costume design, and wonderful performances, which creates a holistic, fun and bittersweet evening. This is not one to be missed.

Sophia Moss
Image: Juan Coolio

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is at Southwark Playhouse from 22^nd May until 1^st July 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.