REVIEW: Brokeback Mountain at the Soho Place

Whether you’ve read Annie Proulx’s original short story or seen the film, Brokeback Mountain remains iconic. A story of a forbidden love between two cowboys spanning 20 years. In this latest adaption from playwright Ashley Robinson, we’ve got a 90-minute compacted story about cowboys Jack Twist (Mike Faist) and Ennis Del Mar (Lucas Hedges) and their secret relationship. 

The set design from Tom Pye is immediately striking, with the small stage the Soho Place offers, Pye makes excellent use of the stage by combining three sets in one. The kitchen, bed and campfire. A rundown Wyoming room helps us immediately imagine the time frame and the campfire helps to visualise Brokeback in front of us and immerse ourselves in the scene. 

The addition of country music throughout from lead singer Eddi Reader and her band (written by Dan Gillespie Sells), helps carry the show in moments of need when dialogue is few and far between. Moments of impact are also made more personal with the accompaniment of the music. 

As for the cowboys themselves, Jack and Ennis. The relationship between the two is interesting, with the little time the pair have in the show together they do all they can to make the love between them believable and there are moments of intimacy, but the relationship ship seems forced. One moment they’re chatting and then seconds later a steamy scene within a tent takes place without much build-up. It seems a longer show running time would allow the relationship more time to develop and for us to understand more. 

Faist and Hedges it must be said, give commendable and believable performances. Emotional at times and uplifting at the next. The only issue they face as previously mentioned is the lack of time together to create something memorable. 

Taking nothing away from director Jonathan Butterell, it’s a well-directed show. Memorable moments within the show alongside performances from a standout duo. All in all it’s worth the trip to Brokeback Mountain, but just the one trip. 

Review by George Butler

Rating: ★★★

Seat: First Balcony A53 | Price of Ticket: £85