REVIEW: Tess by Ockham’s Razor at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth

What would you say is the best way to do a book to theatre adaptation? Well I think ‘Tess’ by Ockham’s Razor could be the answer to that question. On offer at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth at the moment is ‘Tess’ by Ockham’s Razor, and all I can really say is wow! This is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’. It’s a story that has already been adapted to the screen, and to be honest I wasn’t quite sure how it would transfer to the stage. I could vision it being performed as a standard play, but could I vision it as a mixture of contemporary circus and theatre? My answer should have absolutely been yes! Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney have adapted and directed this masterpiece to perfection. Along with producer Alison King, a fantasy vision was seen – and they have managed to bring that vision to life. 

This show showcases the storytelling ability of dance, circus, and movement; as well as the athleticism and range of talent its performers have. The story is one that still has major relevance in today’s society with its incredibly nuanced evocation of female relationships, sexual desires, consent, privilege, and poverty. In this particular adaptation, it is all told as a flashback through Tess herself as a narrator. She is the only character with dialogue, the rest of the cast (including ‘Memory Tess’) tell their part of the story through the incredibly energetic and powerful nature of circus and body movement. I just love this! It’s such a creative way of showing the power, loss and and endurance of the story – as we see how the performers bodies react with the extreme strength and physicality of circus. It seems like subliminal messaging at its finest almost. 

Just stunning.

There are only seven in the cast but they have to be seven of the most talented performers I have seen. All of them are so strong and powerful, you get hooked on their every movement and emotion. These aren’t just performers, they’re athletes. I can guarantee that you will feel a wide range of emotions whilst watching this show. There were many times I was audibly laughing, and there were times when you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium. Just stunning. Heading the cast was Hanora Kamen as ‘Tess Durbeyfield’, and her narration was spot on. She wasn’t only telling the story, but recalling speech in different accents as the cast was performing the relevant flashback. In fact there were many times when the cast would be performing something different to what Kamen would be narrating, and you would be consuming two different things at once – but it didn’t feel difficult. 

Kamen’s partner in crime was Lila Naruse as ‘Tess Durbeyfield’ but the ‘memory’ version. These two were so good together that you would actually forget that you were watching/listening to two different people. The trio of girls was Lauren Jamieson, Victoria Skillen, and Shannon Kate Platt. The connection that these three share is phenomenal, and their comedic moments were fantastic. ‘Alec D’Urberville’ was played by Joshua Fraser who’s ring routine won’t leave my mind anytime soon; and ‘Angel Clare’ was played by Nat Wittingham who’s performance was beautifully powerful. The strength, commitment, and attention to detail of this cast is fantastic and certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. The standing ovation tonight only proved that – Bravo!  

The set was actually incredibly intricate, whilst also being very stripped back. It was basically just lots of wood, rope, and materials – that when placed together with the dynamic movements from the cast, created a piece of innovative theatre. The cast actually end up building all of the set and there is always so much going on, that it feels like incredibly organised chaos. One thing that sticks in my mind as extremely effective was the way in which they portrayed Tess’ horse, and the way they would walk on the two planks whilst staying in place. It was new, it was fresh, and I loved it! The lighting and projection was also simple but added the perfect amount of ambience or warmth/cold when it needed to. Visually gorgeous.

I still can’t get over how beautiful and impressive the whole thing was.

The music was matched perfectly to the show, but sometimes was very repetitive in all honesty. It was only a soundtrack that was being played, but as a friend rightly said, if it was a live band it probably would’ve taken away from the show because of how much was going on. In fact there were times where the music was too loud which just overloaded the senses. I think what really makes this show is all of the above mixed with the brilliant choreography. Choreographer, Nathan Johnston, cannot be credited enough as without his work, I don’t think the show works. One piece of movement that gets revisited multiple times, forwards and in reverse (if you know you know), is the sequence of ‘Tess’ and ‘Angel’ when they make their way along the trail to the farm. The movement of the set and cast had to be inch perfect, both in timing and spacing, and that’s exactly what it was. Literally mesmerising! 

Overall, ‘Tess’ is an incredibly impressive spectacle. It’s something new and exciting, and I’m interested to see what Ockham’s Razor will produce next. The story was easily followable, and the way in which it’s told is beautifully powerful and physical. Mixing contemporary circus into theatre adaptations should now be a benchmark to hit I think. I still can’t get over how beautiful and impressive the whole thing was. Whatever part of theatre you’re into, I think this is a show that you should definitely see if you’re lucky enough to get the chance. The cast are superb and the production as a whole will be unlike anything you’ve quite seen. ‘Tess’ is touring until June this year before further dates for spring 2025 are announced. I wish everybody involved the best of luck going forward, I know I’m already looking at when I can come and see this again.