Review: Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) at The Everyman Theatre

A truly macabre title this may well be but an undoubtedly extraordinary spectacle this show most definitely is. Last night Kneehigh’s Dead Dog in a Suitcase stormed back on to the stage of The Everyman Theatre with a chilling climax leaving its audience wondering if it is ever really over, when it’s over. This is one striking tale of corruption, lawlessness and greed you definitely don’t want to miss - despite the somewhat morbid title.

This clever modern day adaptation, written by Carl Grose with music by Charles Hazlewood and directed by Mike Shepherd, is based on John Gay’s classic musical satire The Beggar’s Opera. The story centres around assassin MacHeath who has just murdered Mayor Goodman- and yes, sadly his dog. Once I’d recovered from the realisation that despite hopes to the contrary the show did entail one dead dog in one suitcase albeit a stuffed fluffy one, I was soon caught up in the web of despicable deeds and corporate backstabbing in a world which is just broken. But who is to blame and who are the real baddies and goodies?

Loveable rogue and contract killer Macheath (Dominic Marsh) has just married Polly Peachum (Angela Hardie) and her parents (Martin Hyder and Rina Fatania), the Boycie and Marlene of pilchard fishing, are not a jot happy and neither is anyone else. Cue for a slapstick madness spoof manhunt with a satirical Punch and Judy commentary, a hard-hitting finale and a standing ovation.

Strong characterisation, a precise marrying of stage and music and a plethora of very clever twists make this visually stimulating show just compulsive viewing. With stunning vocals and an outstanding performance from Georgia Frost in particular as the downtrodden Filch, Dead Dog in a Suitcase is indeed a magnificent ‘theatrical tour de force.’ The second half took a distinctly darker and sinister direction, which was a much harder to take but the signs were there all along and the message one which just demanded to be reckoned with.  

Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) is on until Saturday at The Everyman Theatre. Is it all about ‘money, money, money’? Has the world gone mad? There’s only one way to find out!

Click here for a round up of the best performances taking place at the Everyman Theatre over the next few months.

Guest post by theatre enthusiast and local blogger, Lady Janey.