under the focused direction of sam harris, never the sinner stuns.
Through 9th of november 2024 in kenilworth
Never the Sinner is not easy viewing, but it’s captivating. The Talisman Theatre’s bold choice to present this deeply unsettling true story deserves recognition; it’s a production that’s as disturbing as it is thought-provoking, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
The play revisits the infamous 1924 Chicago murder of a young boy, Bobby Franks, by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb—two privileged young men who, convinced of their intellectual superiority, believed they could commit the perfect crime without consequence. Their arrogance quickly crumbled under the weight of their own hubris, leading to their confessions.
Ben Ionoff’s portrayal of Loeb is chilling, capturing a young man detached from remorse, a narcissistic, self-absorbed, and ultimately terrifying figure. Ionoff’s performance, complete with unsettling laughter and apathy, exemplifies Loeb’s deep-seated psychopathy. In contrast, Julian Rosa’s portrayal of Leopold is quieter but no less disturbing; as a character, he’s impressionable, vulnerable, and wracked by self-loathing. Together, Ionoff and Rosa command the stage with a rare synergy, making their characters' twisted bond both pitiful and profoundly unsettling.
As Prosecutor Gough and Defense Attorney Darrow, Peter Nouwens and Robert Crowe add compelling depth. Their fiery exchanges and deft handling of Chicago-style courtroom dialogue lend an air of authenticity to the proceedings, making you feel as if you’re witnessing the trial itself. The supporting cast, including Daniel Peckett (in an impressive debut), Katie-Ann Ray, and Matt Baxter, take on multiple roles with skill and dedication.
Under Sam Harris’s thoughtful direction, the production is precise and fluid. James Harris’s set design is both clever and evocative. From rich period accents to authentic costumes, the cast brings the setting to life with remarkable attention to detail; I felt as though I was back in the Windy City of the Jazz Age.
It’s also worth mentioning the Talisman Theatre itself. Since my own days on its stage, the theatre has transformed. The new brick facade, a modern bar, and a spacious lobby make for a welcoming venue that elevates the whole experience. Rumor has it they’ll be adding a black box theatre soon—an exciting prospect for the local arts scene.
If you go: This production isn’t for young audiences and may stir difficult memories, especially for those familiar with cases like the tragic murder of James Bulger. Yet for those willing to confront challenging material, Never the Sinner offers powerful performances and is a testament to the quality of work our local theatres can produce.
One note: It would be nice to see the cast's bio's somewhere online. Audiences are interested, and for me, this would complete the evening. At History Boys at the Belgrade, no playbills were to be had either: disappointing. Please, don't cut this feature - it's part of the experience and local actors deserve the recognition.
The play revisits the infamous 1924 Chicago murder of a young boy, Bobby Franks, by Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb—two privileged young men who, convinced of their intellectual superiority, believed they could commit the perfect crime without consequence. Their arrogance quickly crumbled under the weight of their own hubris, leading to their confessions.
Ben Ionoff’s portrayal of Loeb is chilling, capturing a young man detached from remorse, a narcissistic, self-absorbed, and ultimately terrifying figure. Ionoff’s performance, complete with unsettling laughter and apathy, exemplifies Loeb’s deep-seated psychopathy. In contrast, Julian Rosa’s portrayal of Leopold is quieter but no less disturbing; as a character, he’s impressionable, vulnerable, and wracked by self-loathing. Together, Ionoff and Rosa command the stage with a rare synergy, making their characters' twisted bond both pitiful and profoundly unsettling.
As Prosecutor Gough and Defense Attorney Darrow, Peter Nouwens and Robert Crowe add compelling depth. Their fiery exchanges and deft handling of Chicago-style courtroom dialogue lend an air of authenticity to the proceedings, making you feel as if you’re witnessing the trial itself. The supporting cast, including Daniel Peckett (in an impressive debut), Katie-Ann Ray, and Matt Baxter, take on multiple roles with skill and dedication.
Under Sam Harris’s thoughtful direction, the production is precise and fluid. James Harris’s set design is both clever and evocative. From rich period accents to authentic costumes, the cast brings the setting to life with remarkable attention to detail; I felt as though I was back in the Windy City of the Jazz Age.
It’s also worth mentioning the Talisman Theatre itself. Since my own days on its stage, the theatre has transformed. The new brick facade, a modern bar, and a spacious lobby make for a welcoming venue that elevates the whole experience. Rumor has it they’ll be adding a black box theatre soon—an exciting prospect for the local arts scene.
If you go: This production isn’t for young audiences and may stir difficult memories, especially for those familiar with cases like the tragic murder of James Bulger. Yet for those willing to confront challenging material, Never the Sinner offers powerful performances and is a testament to the quality of work our local theatres can produce.
One note: It would be nice to see the cast's bio's somewhere online. Audiences are interested, and for me, this would complete the evening. At History Boys at the Belgrade, no playbills were to be had either: disappointing. Please, don't cut this feature - it's part of the experience and local actors deserve the recognition.